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GEORGE  LAMB  WILLARD. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT,  EIGHTH  INFANTRY,  UNITED  STATES  ARMY. 

(FROM  PHOTOGRAPH  TAKEN  IN  1856.) 


A  REGIMENTAL  HISTORY. 


T  H  E 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH 

NEW  YORK  STATE  VOLUNTEERS. 


BY 

CHAPLAIN  EZRA  D.  SIMONS, 

H 

Author  of  "Divine  Pictures  of  the  Christian  Centuries." 


ILLUSTRATED. 


PUBLISHED  BY 

EZRA  D.  SIMONS, 
9  MURRAY  ST.,  NEW  YORK. 

1888. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  by 

EZRA    D.    SIMONS, 
the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress  in  the  year 


I'RKSS   OF 

THE  JUDSON  PRINTING  Co., 

l6   BEEKMAN    ST., 
NEW   YORK. 


Tin-:    SCRY  IVORS 


The    One     flundred    and   Twenty-fifth    J\|.    T-    Volunteers, 


AND  TO  THOSE  \\IIO  M'MliKR  KINDRKl)  AM)    I'Kll.NDS    AMONC 


Its  Honored  Dead 


ARE    THESE    1'AC.KS    RESPECTl'Tl.I.Y    DEDICATED. 


M123859 


EZRA  D.  SIMONS, 

Chaplain  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  N.  Y.  Yols.  from  March,  1863, 

to  June,  iSf>^. 


PREFACE. 


A  quarter  of  a  century  has  passed  since  the  regiment  whose 
history  is  here  recorded  entered  upon  active  service  in  the 
War  of  the  Rebellion.  Comrades  who  formerly  moved  side 
by  side  in  duty  and  danger  are  rapidly  dropping  out  in  the 
march  of  life.  It  has  seemed  fitting  that  some  special  me 
morial  of  their  service  and  heroism  should  be  prepared,  to  be 
bequeathed  to  their  children  and  children's  children.  To  one 
who  shared  with  them  the  hardships  of  the  march,  the  ex 
posures  of  camp-life,  and  the  dangers  of  the  battle-field ;  who 
witnessed  their  life  and  valor  amid  all  the  vicissitudes  of 
almost  three  years  of  service,  the  task  of  preparing  this  record 
is  at  once  a  sacred  duty  and  an  affectionate  tribute  to  their 
manly  worth.  He  writes  as  an  eye-witness,  at  the  extreme 
front,  of  their  deeds  in  over  twenty  battles. 

In  accordance  with  the  desire  of  survivors  of  the  regiment, 
its  history  will  be  set  in  a  framework  of  general  facts  of  the 
war.  Its  place  may  thus  be  traced  relatively  to  the  entire 
progress  of  the  war. 

Its  history  runs  as  a  single  thread  in  the  fabric  of  the  war; 
but  each  separate  thread  was  a  vital  part  of  the  whole  strug 
gle,  and  had  to  do  with  presenting  at  the  last  to  the  world  a 
flag  unrent  in  any  fibre  of  its  starry  folds. 

To  write  the  history  of  a  regiment  or  the  biography  of  a 
man,  it  is  not  needful,  as  their  valor  and  sacrifice  are  recorded, 
to  exalt  the  subject  by  seeking  to  reflect  upon  other  organi 
zations  or  men.  Brave  men  will  be  slowest  to  depreciate 
others ;  will  be  ready,  rather,  to  speak  of  others,  fighting  in 


VI  PKKFACK. 

the  same  line  of  battle,  the  word  of  merited  praise.  The 
writer  gladly  takes  occasion  to  give  honor  to  all  to  whom 
honor  is  due. 

The  writer  desires  to  express  special  thanks  to  the  follow 
ing  named  persons,  for  help  rendered  in  various  ways  in  pre 
paring  and  publishing  this  history:  To  Mrs.  Mary  G.  Wil- 
lard,  Captain  George  E.  Lemon,  Captain  E.  A.  Hartshorn, 
Captain  F.  A.  Morey,  Colonel  Levin  Crandell,  Colonel  Ben 
jamin  R.  Townsend,  Surgeon  William  S.  Cooper,  Comrade 
William  Bolton,  Brevet-Major  Lee  Churchill  and  Captain 
William  D.  Taylor.  The  last  two,  in  addition  to  other  im 
portant  things,  have  been  especially  helpful  in  preparing  a 
faithful  roster  of  the  regiment. 

E.  D.  SIMONS. 


INTRODUCTION. 


I  cannot  do  better  by  way  of  introduction  than  to  give  an 
account  of  the  reunion  of  the  regiment  at  Troy,  N.  Y.,  Au 
gust  3Oth,  1887.  All  the  papers  in  Troy  made  kind  refer 
ences  to  the  event,  but  the  fullest  report  appeared  in  The 
Evening  Standard  vi  August  3 1st.  We  present  its  account 
in  full,  not  withholding  an  address  by  the  writer,  because  the 
address  furnishes  a  synopsis  in  advance  of  the  entire  regi 
mental  history  : 

AFTER  TWENTY-FIVE  YEARS. 


THE  SURVIVORS  OF  A  GALLANT  HAND  MEET — THE  STORY 
OF  A  REGIMENT  WHICH  WENT  OUT  WITH  1,255  MEN  AND 
NOW  HAS  BUT  2OO — RECALLING  OLD  WAR  SCENES. 

Among  the  many  reunions  which  have  been  held  in  and 
about  Troy  recently,  not  one  was  more  successful  than  that 
of  the  1 2 5th  Regiment,  New  York  Volunteers,  which  took 
place  at  Young's  Grove  yesterday  afternoon.  The  day  was  a 
delightful  one  and  everything  was  in  harmony  with  the  happy 
spirit  of  fraternity  and  old  comradeship.  The  old  command, 
which  on  August  30,  1862,  left  Troy  under  the  gallant  Colonel 
Willard,  with  1,255  nien,  mustered  190  as  they  drew  up  in 
front  of  the  City  Hall  and  took  up  the  line  of  march  previous 
to  mustering  at  Young's  Grove.  As  they  passed  the  house  of 
Mrs.  Mary  G.  Willard,  the  band  stopped  playing  and  the  mne 
uncovered  their  heads  out  of  respect  to  the  widow  of  their 
old  commander.  As  the  men  reached  the  old  Bulls'  Head  a 
ringing  cheer  went  up  for  "Old  Camp  Halleck,"  the  first  in 


viii  INTRODUCTION. 

which  the    regiment  was  put,  and  the  band  played  "Auld 
Lang  Syne."     On  the  grove  ground 

THE  OLD   ORIGINAL  ROLL 

was  called,  but  alas!  out  of  1,255  but  little  more  than  200 
answered.     Those  present  were  : 

Colonel  Levin  Crandell,  New  York. 
Surgeon  W.  S.  Cooper,  Troy. 
Surgeon  Washington  Akin,  Troy. 
Chaplain  E.  D.  Simons,  Bloomfield,  N.  J. 

"A"  COMPANY. 

Captain,  E.  A.  Hartshorn;  Calvin  E.  Agan,  Ichabod  Bump, 
Jerome  Brown,  Charles  A.  Bates,  J.  Davis  Ball,  Joseph  Coon, 
William  Galangher,  John  Snyder,  Courtland  Green,  Peter  H. 
Jones,  Danford  P.  Millias,  Thomas  V.  McCumber,  George 
McDonald,  John  N.  Niles,  M.  V.  B.  Mattison,  John  Rising, 
Warren  A.  Shibley,  Henry  L.  Snyder,  Charles  L.  Wager, 
William  H.  Reynolds,  Ed.  Louvelette,  Charles  Corbin. 

"B"  COMPANY. 

Lieutenant,  Henry  M.  Clum ;  Henry  Buttery,  Charles 
Boshen,  Edwin  B.  Caswell,  John  A.  Cole,  William  Fairbanks, 
George  B.  Grant,  Lester  Grant,  Horatio  V.  Green,  Leonard 
L.  Lewis,  John  H.  McFall,  Abner  Quitterfield,  Eleazer  Rey 
nolds,  William  H.  Rose,  William  H.  Sterling,  George  L. 
Wallace,  James  H.  Cross. 

"C"  COMPANY. 

Lieutenant,  William  Blair;  Frank  Chamberlin,  John  At 
kinson,  William  Bolton,  Henry  Glen,  Charles  Gillman,  C.  E. 
Morris,  David  McNeely,  William  Todd. 

"D"  COMPANY. 

Captain,  T.  F.  Sheldon;  Lieutenant,  Stepnen  Bates;  Henry 
Wheeler,  Hamilton  N.  Hewett,  H.  J.  Force,  C.  I.  Wilkins, 
Edmund  Wilson,  William  Allen,  Fred  Ametrano,  William 
Bates,  Mathew  Cass,  Eugene  L.  Demers,  George  W.  Frith, 
Josiah  Green,  Jr.,  Andrew  Hilton,  George  W.  Hazer,  Michael 


INTRODUCTION.  ix 

Larkins,  E.  B.  Griswold,  N.  T.  Perault,  Charles  Philo,  Henry 
Russell,  James  H.  Rogers,  N.  Schermerhorn,  James  Thomp 
son,  William  R.  Trotman,  David  F.  Smith,  Hiram  A.  Ford. 

"E"  COMPANY. 

Lieutenant,  David  Brainard ;  Nelson  P.  Andrews,  C.  F. 
Bradway,  C.  H.  Bills,  L.  D.  Bebee,  S.  H.  Bailey,  George  W. 
Bateman,  H.  D.  Coleman,  Theodore  Cummings,  B.  F.  Clark, 
George  Coutant,  George  Davis,  B.  L.  Greenman,  James  E. 
Hassan,  John  S.  Harris,  C.  A.  Haynes,  John  H.  Kirby,  John 
McGill,  Daniel  Nye,  H.  C.  Simmons,  J.  C.  Saxby,  George  W. 
Snow,  H.  J.  Tooley,  Perry  Wolcott,  Peter  Witbeck,  N.  E. 
Warden,  A.  G.  Warren,  E.  O.  Willie,  William  A.  Osterhout. 

"F"  COMPANY. 

Captain,  W.  D.  Taylor;  Lee  Churchill,  John  Brown,  Henry 
Bennett,  Andrew  Corbet,  William  Cropsey,  R.  M.  Cook, 
Henry  L.  Dempsey,  Sylvester  Defreest,  Henry  E.  Herring, 
A.  J.  Kirkpatrick,  John  McGill,  William  F.  Mullin,  Peleg  H. 
Mason,  Josephus  Perry,  Cyrus  M.  Pinney,  James  Snyder, 
Ezra  Sipperly,  Robert  I.  Winnie,  George  Wickes. 

"  G"  COMPANY. 

Lieutenant,  B.  G.  Barto;  G.  A.  Lord,  J.  P.  Andres,  J. 
Hammond,  B.  H.  Peckman,  William  Bicknell,  Joseph  H. 
Barber,  Martin  Higbie,  Augustus  Houngstein,  George  W. 
Northup,  William  Rock,  W.  S.  Schermerhorn,  George 
Tobias,  J.  N.  Van  Buren,  J.  H.  Russell. 
"H"  COMPANY. 

Captain,  G.  W.  Pettit ;  Lieutenant,  David  Hagadorn ; 
Charles  M.  Austin,  D.  H.  Bonesteel,  George  E.  Bonesteel, 
John  Bryant,  H.  Cunningham,  Daniel  W.  Defreest,  Francis 
Daniels,  Philip  A.  File,  Zebulon  Gibbs,  Willard  D.  Green, 
James  H.  Hyde,  R.  Hurlburt,  John  E.  Hoffman,  Benjamin 
F.  Hayner,  James  L.  Smith,  Charles  H.  Dick. 
"I"  COMPANY. 

Captain,  Joseph  Egolf ;  Lieutenant,  Charles  Bates;  Ser 
geants,  William  Neilon,  Charles  Vanderpool,  George  W. 


X  INTRODUCTION. 

Sweet,  Giles  Pease;  corporal,  Henry  Pease;  privates,  Charles 
Johnson,  William  Nible,  Quincy  Wood,  Lorenzo  Warren, 
Ezra  Stillman. 

"K"  COMPANY. 

Lieutenant,  W.  P.  Hagadorn ;  James  H.  Anthony,  John 
Bacon,  W'illiam  Doty,  A.  J.  Doty,  Warren  Hoyt,  W.  H. 
Holden,  Michael  McMurray,  William  McGowan,  Thomas 
Rain,  Jason  Robbins,  Charles  H.  Wolf,  Amos  Ward,  \Vm. 
Gallagher. 

AFTER  THE  ROLL-CALL, 

Colonel  Crandell  welcomed  the  comrades  as  follows: 
"  It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  meet  so  many  of  my  old 
comrades  in  the  field.  It  is  a  wonder  that  so  many  of  us 
have  been  spared  to  answer  to  the  roll-call  on  the  25th  anni 
versary  of  the  day  we  left  this  camp  to  assist  in  putting 
down  the  rebellion  and  preserving  the  Union.  The  regiment 
was  made  up  from  some  of  the  best  and  most  patriotic 
young  men  of  this  vicinity,  and  did  excellent  service  in 
the  field.  While  we  are  so  happy  in  seeing  and  greeting 
each  other  here  to-day,  we  feel  sad  and  cannot  help  drop 
ping  a  silent  tear  when  we  call  to  mind  those  who  are 
absent  on  this  occasion.  The  remains  of  Colonel  George  L. 
Willard,  Lieut.-Colonel  Myer,  Captains  Wood  and  Jones,  and 
many  other  officers,  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates 
who  fought  valiantly,  lie  in  your  cemeteries  here  and  in 
this  vicinity;  others  were  buried  on  the  battle-field  and  at 
Andersonville.  When  the  last  trumpet  shall  sound  and  the 
dead  shall  arise  and  we  are  all  marshaled  in  heaven  to  meet 
our  reward,  if  in  the  crowns  placed  on  the  heads  of  our  fallen 
comrades  there  should  be  found  one  more  gem  than  in  ours, 
I  think  we  would  all  cry  out  with  one  accord,  Amen !  Amen! 
Glory  be  to  God !  " 

The  Colonel  was  heartily  greeted  and  was  moved  to  tears 
by  the  devotion  of  his  men. 

Then  Rev.  Ezra  D.  Simons,  Chaplain  of  the  regiment, 
delivered  the  following  address: 


INTRODUCTION.  xi 

COMRADES  AND  FRIENDS  :  It  is  with  peculiar  emotions  of 
gladness  and  gratitude  that  I  greet  you  at  this  first  reunion 
of  the  regiment,  which  to  us  was  noblest  and  best  of  all  the 
regiments  that  rendered  service  and  sacrifice,  in  the  time  of 
danger  and  trial,  to  fatherland. 

What  memories  spring  to  the  front  to-day  !  It  seems  to 
us  as  if  we  were  back  amid  the  old  scenes  forever  memorable 
to  us.  The  curtain  is  drawn  aside,  and  the  twenty-two  years 
since  we  parted — with  all  their  experience — fade  from  sight, 
and  we  are  again,  in  thought,  in  the  camp,  on  picket,  on  the 
march,  behind  the  earthworks,  in  the  battle. 

I  regret  that  the  time  will  not  permit,  to-day,  that  review 
of  our  history  which  would  be  worthy  of  the  occasion.  But 
it  would  scarcely  do  to  keep  you  listening  now,  for  upwards 
of  an  hour,  to  the  record  you  made  in  the  war.  Longer 
time  by  far  than  that  would  be  required  to  present  in  detail 
the  history  of  our  regiment — a  history  extending  through 
almost  three  years  of  service. 

I  engaged  to  write  the  history,  and  have  performed  the 
task.  But  it  is  deemed  best,  owing  to  its  necessary  length, 
that  it  should  not  be  read  to-day.  You  will  want  to  greet  one 
another  personally  on  this  occasion,  to  shake  hands  with 
each  other,  and  to  talk  together  of  the  old  times.  And 
would  that  I  could  be  everywhere  present  to  gather  from 
your  lips  the  memories  you  shall  this  day  voice  forth.  For 
it  is  thought  well  that  the  history  of  the  regiment  should  be 
put  in  permanent  form,  provided  it  is  your  desire  that  it 
should  be  done,  and  provided,  moreover,  it  is  your  wish  to 
possess  copies  of  the  book.  If  this  is  done  the  circumstances 
of  the  organization  of  the  regiment  will  be  given ;  a  com 
plete  list  of  the  officers,  with  the  name  of  every  enlisted  man 
who  served  will  be  printed,  with  a  note  whether  wounded 
or  killed ;  and  the  campaigns  will  be  traced,  and  the  various 
battles  in  which  we  fought  described,  and  so  far  as  possible  a 
sketch  of  our  fallen  heroes  be  made.  Possibly  also  faces 
of  officers  and  enlisted  men,  maps  and  engravings  of  battles 
will  be  added.  The  history  would  perpetuate  among  our 


Xll  INTRODUCTION. 

children  and  children's  children,  the  story  of  your  service 
and  sacrifice.  It  would  be  a  chapter  written  from  personal 
records  of  the  war,  and  which  I  have  kept  all  these  years. 
With  its  record,  statements  of  where  and  when  any  were 
wounded  or  killed,  it  would  serve  as  a  help  for  any  just 
claims  upon  the  Government  for  honorable  pension.  As 
time  passes  such  a  record  becomes  increasingly  valuable,  and 
ought  to  be  in  the  hands  of  every  survivor  of  the  regiment. 
The  service  of  preparing  and  publishing  it  would  be  freely 
rendered  as  a  tribute  of  sincere  affection  to  my  old  comrades, 
to  whom  I  feel  bound  by  a  hundred  precious  and  sacred 
memories.  The  project  of  publishing  such  a  history  receives 
to-day  the  promise  of  success.  I  have  received  the  follow 
ing  dispatch,  dated  at  Washington,  D.  C. : 

"  I  have  just  returned  from  Montana.  I  regret  much  that  it  is  im 
possible  for  me  to  be  with  you.  The  cause  is  business  engagements. 
I  think  the  scheme  of  a  regimental  history  in  book  form  is  good.  If  the 
reunion  endorses  it  I  will  contribute  $250  towards  $1,000,  probable 
cost,  provided  the  balance  is  raised  at  the  reunion.  I  don't  want  the 
scheme  to  drag.  Please  remember  me  to  all,  especially  my  old  com 
pany  "G." 

GEORGE  E.  LEMON." 

LOOKING    BACK. 

The  quarter  of  a  century  that  has  nearly  passed  since 
Charles  Eddy,  Aldermen  Prentice  and  Smart  came  to  us 
from  the  Common  Council,  and  on  the  Albany  road  greeted 
us  and  escorted  us  to  this  city,  where  on  Cannon  Place  square 
John  A.  Griswold  spoke  the  words  of  home-welcome — all 
these  years,  forming  more  than  half  the  lifetime  of  most,  if 
not  all  of  the  comrades  here  gathered,  have  doubtless  been 
filled  with  activities  and  earnest  thoughts — of  business  and 
home — but  I  question  whether  they  and  double  the  number 
of  those  years  have  had,  or  could  have,  so  much  in  them  as 
was  crowded  into  the  almost  three  years  of  our  service  at  the 
front,  when  an  hour  in  the  height  of  battle  seemed  as  a  day, 
and  days  as  years.  Yes,  those  were  stern  days,  and  now  we 
glance  only  at  the  prominent  names  of  battles  and  the  fea- 


INTRODUCTION.  Xlll 

tures  of  chief  interest  of  those  years  of  danger  and  strife  and 
death. 

TWENTY-FIVE  YEARS  AGO  TO-DAY, 

as  the  guns  of  Second  Bull  Run  were  booming,  and  the 
southern  sky  was  dark  with  the  thunder-clouds  of  disaster, 
we  were  summoned  to  the  scenes  of  strife.  We  are  hurried, 
via  New  York,  Philadelphia  and  Baltimore,  to  Martinsburg, 
Va.  We  spend  ten  days  here  in  the  mingled  experiences  of 
the  first  days  of  soldiering.  Then  our  faces  are  turned  towards 
Harper's  Ferry,  where  our  feet  are  at  once  entangled  in  a 
fatal  net,  for  already,  with  Maryland  Heights  deserted  by  our 
men,  the  end  of  dishonor  is  at  hand. 

WE  ARE  IN  A  TRAP, 

and  after  three  helpless  days,  in  which  our  regiment  is  not 
permitted  to  fire  a  shot,  we  are  surrendered.  Quickly  paroled, 
we  make  a  rapid  march  of  100  miles  to  Annapolis.  Then— 
who  of  the  old  soldiers  will  forget  it  ? — came  Chicago  and 
Camp  Douglas.  Not  all  pleasant  was  the  life  there.  Rats  and 
"  graybacks  "  and  disease  were  all  awaiting  us.  But,  despite 
all,  in  after  experiences  a  comparison  made  Camp  Douglas, 
with  its  good  barracks  and  abundant  provisions,  appear  as  a 
soldier's  paradise. 

Two  months  later,  and — sifted  as  a  regiment  and  trained 
as  soldiers — we  are  again  on  the  "  sacred  soil  "  of  Virginia. 
Union  Mills,  Wolf  Run  Shoals,  Fairfax  Court  House,  Wood- 
yard  Ford  and  Centreville  become  well-known  places  to  us ; 
especially  the  last,  where  we  spend  the  best  days  of  all  our 
soldiering,  in  the  spring  and  early  summer  of  '63.  Then, 
after  Fredericksburg  and  Chancellorsville,  in  which  we  take 
no  part,  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  marches  by  our  camp,  and 
we  soon  hasten  after  it  to  join  it  as  henceforth,  to  the  close 
of  the  war,  a  part  of  it.  We  are  placed  in  the  Second  Corps. 

THE    MEMORIES   OF   GETTYSBURG. 

Most  vivid  will  be  your  memories  to-day  of  Gettysburg— 
of  that  fierce,  dreadful,  long  struggle  of  two  or  three  days 
on  the  hills  of  Pennsylvania,  where  the  tide  of  the  war  was 


xiv  INTRODUCTION. 

turned  ;  where  the  "  backbone  "  of  the  rebellion  was  broken  ; 
where  the  east  joined  with  the  west  in  the  song  of  victory, 
and  Gettysburg  and  Vicksburg  became  the  Nation's  glory. 
But  in  that  fierce  strife — down  in  the  swale,  and  when  Pick- 
ett's  charge  was  turned  back  in  disaster  to  the  rebel  arms,  we 
lost  one-fourth  of  our  regiment,  in  killed  and  wounded. 
There  fell 

THE  GALLANT  WILLARD, 

still  mourned  and  loved  ;  and  there  died  the  devoted  Wood — 
Captain  E.  Wood  of  "  H"  Company.  There  fell  Corporal  John 
W.  Defreest,  and  others;  and  there  some  of  you  here  to-day 
—Eugene  Demers  and  Henry  Wheeler — left  blood  and  limbs 
in  sacrifice  for  country.  In  our  published  history  detailed 
descriptions  of  that  great  battle  must  have  place.  We  hasten, 
after  the  battle,  in  pursuit  of  the  retreating  enemy.  Williams- 
port,  Loudon  Valley — with  "  Blackberry"  and  "  Mutton" 
camps — Cedar  Mountain  and  Robertson  River  are  succeeded 
by  that  backward  movement,  which  brought  us  to  Auburn 
Ford  and  Bristoe  Station  ;  both  worthy  of  a  detailed  account, 
at  the  latter  of  wrhich  fell,  among  others,  Comrade  Cole  and 
Captain  William  H.  Plumb.  We  cross  Bull  Run  at  Black 
burn  Ford,  not  far  from  the  old  camp-ground  at  Centreville ; 
and  soon  we  are  again  pressing  after  the  rebels,  falling,  in 
turn,  back  to  their  old  positions. 

November  of  '63  brings  with  it  the  Mine  Run  expedition, 
where  we  gain  naught,  but  leave  on  picket  duty  forty-one  of 
our  noble  men,  most  of  whom  came  never  to  us  again.  Their 
bones  have  crumbled  with  the  many  who  died  in  rebel  prisons. 
The  winter  of  '63-64  will  exalt  before  some  of  us  the  rude 
log  chapel  at  Stevensburg,  where  many  of  our  men  entered 
the  service  of  the  Captain  of  Salvation.  It  will  bring  to 
some  of  you  recollections  of  visits  of  home  friends.  It  has 
its  remembrances  of  kindly  tokens  sent  to  our  soldiers  from 
the  people  of  Troy. 

THE    BRUSH  AT  MORTON'S  FORD 
will  not  be  forgotten  to-day.     I   have  always  accounted  one 


INTRODUCTION.  xv 

feature  of  it  a  happy  one.  The  fording  of  the  stream,  up  to 
our  armpits,  and  the  cold,  freezing  rain  of  the  day,  with  the 
absence  of  fires,  gave  at  least  one  person  a  good  reason  to 
shiver  without  the  suspicion  of  another  kind  of  shaking  in 
the  presence  of  the  enemy. 

And  how,  Comrades,  shall  I  recount  to-day  in  a  brief  word 
that  awful  campaign  of  '64,  when  the  "  spell "  of  the  Rap- 
idan  was  broken,  and  that  river  no  longer  seemed  as  a  provi 
dential  line,  tracing  the  limits  of  our  forward  movements ; 
when  we  broke  through  the  barrier  of  the  Wilderness ;  when 
at  Po  river  you  fought — how  nobly ! — when  you  were  longest 
at  the  front  and  did  bravest  service,  as  I  was  personally  wit 
ness  then,  and  in  a  score  of  your  battles.  Then  stood  in 
our  way  the  "  bloody  angle "  at  Spottsylvania ;  and  you 
smote  it  and  crushed  it,  albeit 

YOUR  HANDS  DRIPPED  BLOOD 

from  the  torn  and  mangled  flesh.  And  again  at  the  same 
place  on  May  i8th,  '64,  you  dashed  in  victory  against  that 
front  line  of  the  enemy's  works.  Yes ;  I  have  read  the  self- 
glorying  words  of  rebels,  written  in  recent  days,  proclaim 
ing  your  failures,  but  as  one  who  was  an  eye-witness,  I  know 
their  words  to  be  false.  Then  the  North  Anna  and  Toto- 
potomoy  and  Cold  Harbor  were  inscribed  upon  your  ban 
ners.  For  sixty  long  days,  with  the  sound  of  firing  and  of 
fighting  absent  no  day  of  the  sixty,  you  pressed  forward. 
But  ere  the  sixty  were  completed,  you  stood 

IN  FRONT  OF  PETERSBURG. 

Stood  there  ?  No,  no,  there  was  no  standing  there.  Again 
and  again  you  hurled  yourselves  against  the  enemy's  works ; 
you  were  the  "hammer"  that  smote  the  anvil,  but,  alas,  the 
hammer  had  heart  and  life,  and  it  was  bruised  in  pain  by 
the  heavy  blows.  And  later  they  put  you  at  the  front,  in 
that  death-trap,  at  Ream's  Station ;  in  that  fearful  blunder 
of  ambitious  men.  But  you  fought  and  you  merited  well. 
But  after  all  this  long,  long  campaign — connecting  you 
with  all  the  places  named  and  with  still  others — like  Deep 


XVI  INTRODUCTION. 

Bottom — where  is  Colonel  A.  B.  Myer,  and  where  Captain 
Jones,  and  Lieutenant  Charles  Cleminshaw?  Where  is  Ser 
geant  German,  and  Sergeant  Perry,  and  Corporal  Albert 
Smith  and  Sergeant  Jacob  Houck?  And  where  are  Lieuten 
ants  Coleman  and  Bryan,  and  Color-bearer  A.  B.  Green?  And 
where  Lieutenant  Hull,  and  Adjutant  Merritt  Miller?  Let 
the  Wilderness,  and  Po  River,  and  Spottsylvania,  and  Peters 
burg  and  Ream's  Station  answer.  And  where  are  the  scores 
and  hundreds  who  started  with  us  from  Stevensburg?  Dead, 
many  of  them;  wounded,  more  of  them — many  score  of 
them.  Some  of  them  could  come  not  again  to  us  at  the 
front.  They  are  here  to-day,  not  a  few  of  them,  Colonel 
Crandell  and  Colonel  Egolf,  and  Captains  Taylor  and  Chur 
chill,  and  like  Color-Sergeant  Harrison  Clark,  Corporal  James 
Rogers  and  Sergeant  Hoffman,  with  the  marks  of  their  hon 
orable  service  upon  them.  Yes,  I  could  call  the  roll  of  the 
wounded  in  that  dreadful  march  through  the  wilderness,  and 
and  in  those  fierce  assaults  at  Petersburg.  You  will  remember 
to-day  Fort  Steadman  and 

THOSE  AUTUMN   NIGHTS 

when  the  air  was  made  brilliant  by  the  bombardments  which 
painted  on  the  sky  our  victories  under  Sheridan  in  the  Val 
ley,  and  under  Sherman  at  west  and  south. 

Then  came  that  short,  jubilant  campaign  dating  from 
March  2Qth,  '65,  to  April  Qth.  Yes,  we  pressed  the  enemy  in 
his  rapid  flight,  day  by  day,  at  Sutherland  Station,  where  we 
left  the  gallant  Quay  in  his  hurriedly-made  grave ;  then,  at 
Sailor's  Creek,  Amelia  Court  House  and  at  Farmville ;  and 
finally  our  voices  joined  in  the  glad  shout  of  victory  at 
Appomattox  Court  House.  And  our  faces  turn  with  our 
footsteps  homeward.  We  take  part  in 

THE   GRAND    REVIEW 

at  Washington  and  soon  speed  with  glad  hearts  back  to  the 
old  familiar  places.  The  three  years  of  service  made  changes 
among  our  officers.  Of  all  the  original  officers  of  the  regi 
ment  only  three  remained  at  the  last  with  us — Colonel  Joseph 


INTRODUCTION.  xvii 

Hyde,  Surgeons  William  S.  Cooper  and  Washington  Akin- 
men  meriting  well  of  all  our  comrades.  Sad  havoc  was 
wrought  in  the  original  number  of  officers  by  the  flame  of 
battle.  Some  were  wounded  again  and  again  ere  they  relin 
quished  the  service.  All  who  were  line  officers  in  the  regi 
ment  at  the  close  of  the  war  had  risen  from  the  ranks.  It 
were  easy  to  recount  to-day  the  coolness,  skill  and  valor  of 
those  who  were  in  command  of  the  regiment  and  served  in 
companies.  But  we  must  reserve  the  story  of  their  heroism 
to  the  printed  record.  And  thus,  in  like  manner,  would  I 
need  to  speak  of  the  enlisted  men  who  carried  the  musket 
and  who  did  the  hard  work  of  the  war. 

THE   DEATH    RECORD. 

While  the  facts  were  yet  fresh  in  mind  I  made  the  follow 
ing  memoranda  of  the  regiment,  giving  approximate  figures: 

Killed  in  battle  150 

Died  from  disease  1 50 

Died  as  prisoners  50 

Wounded,  from  .             .         500  to  600 

Some  were  wounded  more  than  once.  We  left  Troy  25 
years  ago  about  1,000  strong.  We  received  by  recruiting  about 
250.  About  130  were  in  hospitals  or  on  detached  service  at 
the  close  of  the  war,  and  less  than  200  of  the  3 1 1  mustered 
out  at  the  last,  marched  through  the  streets  of  Troy  in  June, 
'65.  We  brought  back  to  you  two  flags — one  worn  out  in 
the  service  and  clinging  with  tattered  folds  to  the  staff,  but 
every  thread  a  line  of  honor;  and  the  other,  carried  in  equal 
honor,  bears  to-day  upon  it  the  names — whose  honorable  men 
tion  belongs  to  both — of 

Harper's  Ferry,  Mine  Run, 

Gettysburg,  Morton's  Ford, 

Auburn  Ford,  Wilderness, 

Bristoe  Station,  Po  River, 

Robertson's  Tavern,  Spottsylvania,  May  12, 


XVlll  INTRODUCTION. 

Spottsylvania,  May  18,  Strawberry  Plains, 

North  Anna,  Ream's  Station, 

Totopotomoy,  Petersburg, 

Cold  Harbor,  Boydton  Plank  Road, 

Front  of  Petersburg,  Sutherland  Station, 

Jerusalem  Plank  Road,  Farmville, 

Deep  Bottom,  Appomattox. 

Twenty-four  engagements  in  all,  besides  skirmishes  not 
numbered.  Did  ever  a  regiment  go  forth  from  this  city  that 
rendered  greater  or  even  equal  service?  Albeit  we  seek  not 
this  day  of  reunion,  public  display,  but  rather  meet  to  re 
count  among  ourselves  the  scenes  and  experiences  of  other 
days.  Did  we  not  lay  down  our  portion  of  lives  for  our 
country — 350  out  of  1,000  who  served  at  the  front? — one- 
third  of  the  number,  and  but  few  escaping  without  wounds, 
even  the  chaplain  being  struck,  but  declining  to  put  it  on 
record.  But  the  number  of  those  sacrificed  for  our  country 
is  not  formed  alone  of  those  who  died  during  the  progress  of 
the  war  of  wounds  or  disease.  The  list  is  swelling  from  those 
who  for  years  carried  the  seed  of  death 

PLANTED  IN  THEIR  BL'OOD 

by  the  exposure  and  hardships  of  the  march  and  camp. 
Be  our  hats  uplifted,  as  with  uncovered  heads  we  bring  them 
to  mind.  And  shall  we  forget  at  this  hour  our  comrades 
scattered  over  the  land,  who  are  unable  to  be  here  in  person, 
to-day,  where  their  hearts  mingle  with  ours  in  thip  reunion, 
or  the  others  whose  whereabouts  we  know  not  of  ?  No  ! 
they  are  one  with  us;  we,  with  them.  I  speak  no  word  of 
disparagement  of  other  regiments.  I,  with  you,  honor  all 
who  rendered  true  and  faithful  service  to  the  country  in  its 
hour  of  need.  But,  with  all  confidence  do  I  say  that  of  our 
number  who  fell  were  those  who  deserve  to  be  placed  side 
by  side  with  the  past  heroes  of  our  land.  They  rank  in 
intellect  and  ability  of  character,  in  pure  and  lofty  patriotism 
and  manly  valor  with  the  noblest  of  those  whose  life-blood 
was  shed  on  battle-field  in  the  great  war  for  the  Union  and 


INTRODUCTION.  XIX 

Liberty.  Of  all  the  many  hundreds  of  regiments  enlisted  in 
the  country's  service,  none  gave  better  blood  or  laid  dearer 
sacrifices  on  its  altar  than  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty- 
fifth  New  York  Volunteers.  The  regiment  endured  hard 
ships  and  performed  labors  equal  to  those  of  any  other  regi 
ment.  It  occupied  its  place  at  the  van  in  the  deadly  fray  as 
often  and  as  long  as  any ;  and  it  is  becoming  that  by  such 
means  as  this  reunion  and  in  all  lawful  ways  its  memory 
should  be  cherished  and  its  service  for  the  Nation  extolled. 

And  now,  comrades,  may  the  benediction  of  heaven,  which 
has  kept  you  unto  this  hour,  rest  abidingly  with  you.  May 
the  divine  blessing  attend  you  in  all  the  future  of  life,  and 
bring  us  together  in  that  reunion  which  awaits  all  true  heroes 
in  the  Paradise  of  God.  Thus  speaks  one  who  asks  no 
higher  earthly  title  than  to  be  known  as  the  "  soldier's 
friend." 

CAPTAIN  HARTSHORN. 

Following  Rev.  Mr.  Simons  came  Captain  E.  A.  Harts 
horn,  who  said  : 

"At  Harper's  Ferry,  Chaplain  Simons,  then  commissary 
sergeant  of  the  regiment,  came  to  me  in  the  thickest  of  the 
rebel  cannonading  and  requested  me  to  show  him  how  to  load 
and  fire  a  rifle.  It  affords  me  great  pleasure  now  as  then  to 
aid  the  Chaplain  loading  and  firing.  This  time  it  is  his  pen ; 
he  knows  how  to  use  it,  and  it  is  loaded  to  the  muzzle.  But 
it  will  cost  $1,000  to  print  the  first  500  of  the  proposed  his 
tory  of  the  regiment.  One  hundred  and  fifty  have  already 
been  subscribed  for  at  $2.00.  We  must  subscribe  for  50x3  at 
this  price  to  insure  the  printing  of  the  history.  This  is  a  free 
will  offering  on  the  part  of  our  Chaplain,  who  will  not  consent 
to  accept  a  penny's  profit,  or  take  anything  for  his  labor. 

"  Let  every  comrade  present  write  or  speak  to  one  absent 
comrade,  and  get  him  to  send  his  subscription  to  me  at  Troy, 
N.  Y. ,  for  one  copy,  and  the  success  of  the  work  is  assured." 

CLOSING  THOUGHTS. 
Colonel  MacArthur,    Rev.   Mr.  Langworthy  of    Stephen- 


XX  INTRODUCTION. 

town  and  Captain  W.  D.  Taylor  made  brief  addresses,  and 
Captain  Taylor  exhibited  a  design  for  a  monument  to  be 
erected  to  the  memory  of  Colonel  Willard  on  the  battle-field 
of  Gettysburg.  The  monument  will  stand  near  the  famous 
old  stone  wall,  where  Willard  fell.  It  will  be  1 1  feet  high,  4 
feet  broad  and  2  feet  thick.  The  monument  will  be  of  pol 
ished  blue  Scotch  granite  and  on  the  base  will  be  the  regi 
mental  and  corps  badge,  as  well  as  the  State  coat  of  arns.  A 
bronze  medallion  of  Colonel  Willard  will  have  under  it  the 
lines: 


COLONEL  GEORGE  L.  WILLARD. 

ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH    NEW  YORK  VOLS. 
KILLED  JULY  26,  1863. 


The  cost  will  be  $1,500.  The  model  for  the  monument  is 
to  be  placed  in  Colonel  Egolfs  relic  rooms.  Before  the 
comrades  parted  it  was  voted  to  accept  the  design,  and  to 
send  greeting  as  a  regiment  to  members  scattered  in  distant 
parts  of  the  country.  There  are  about  100  of  them.  Those 
who  contributed  to  the  success  of  the  reunion  were  given  a 
vote  of  thanks,  and  it  was  decided  to  keep  up  the  regimental 
association,  which  will  meet  the  first  and  third  Thursday  of 
each  month  in  the  Board  of  Health  rooms  in  the  City  Hall. 

HOOSICK  FALLS. 

Comrade  Charles  Bates  of  Hoosick  Falls  said  he  had  been 
instructed  by  the  friends  of  old  soldiers  in  Hoosick  Falls  to 
invite  the  regiment  to  hold  its  next  reunion  there,  and  the 
invitation  was  accepted.  Letters  of  regret  were  received 
from  Colonel  Joseph  Hyde,  Stockton,  California;  Captain 
George  E.  Lemon,  Washington,  D.  C. ;  Captain  Fred.  Morey, 
Fairbury,  Nebraska ;  Captain  Edward  C.  Jackson,  Blair, 
Nebraska;  Lieutenant  L.  H.  Stevens,  New  York;  W.  C. 
Lincoln,  Fergus  Falls,  Minnesota;  W.  C.  Hyde,  Stockton, 
California;  Quartermaster  George  W7.  Jenkins,  Rochester, 


INTRODUCTION.  XXI 

New  York;  F.  N.  Clarkson,  Peoria,  Illinois;  C.  I.  Wilkinson, 
Avril,  New  York ;  and  General  S.  C.  Armstrong,  Hampton, 
Virginia. 

Before  finally  parting  the  comrades  were  photographed  by 
one  of  their  number,  and  the  glorious  reunion  closed  with 
cheers  for  Colonel  Crandell,  Surgeons  Cooper  and  Akin, 
Captain  Taylor  and  others. 


HISTORY 


OF   THE 


One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth 

NEW  YORK  STATE  VOLUNTEERS. 


CHAPTER    I. 

THE    PREPARATION'. 

'nr^HE  men  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  New 
York  Volunteers  had  not  been  disinterested  observers 
of  the  progress  of  the  war  up  to  the  time  of  their  enlistment, 
but  had  been  eagerly  concerned  in  the  success  of  the  Union 
arms,  and  evermore  deplored  any  triumph  on  the  part  of  the 
Confederates. 

Many  of  the  men  had  passed  through  an  undesigned  pro 
cess  of  preparation  for  their  own  part  in  the  struggle,  by 
their  participation  in  the  "Wide  Awake"  companies  which 
frequently  paraded  the  streets  of  Troy,  New  York,  as  in 
other  places,  during  the  exciting  political  canvass  which 
resulted  in  the  election  of  Abraham  Lincoln  to  the  Presi 
dency.  Besides  which,  an  event  of  little  importance  in  itself, 
yet  at  the  time  of  considerable  weight,  had  awakened  mili 
tary  enthusiasm  in  many  parts  of  the  country.  It  was  the 
trip  of  Ellsworth's  Chicago  Zouaves.  The  visit  of  this  com 
pany  to  Troy,  among  other  places,  and  its  marvelous  display 
of  military  movements,  created  an  interest  which  ripened  in 
the  formation  of  a  company  of  Zouaves,  of  which  some  were 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  VOLS. 

members  who  afterwards  became  connected  with  the  One 
Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment. 

If  a  year  of  the  war  was  allowed  to  pass  ere  the  regiment 
was  gathered,  many  of  its  number  had  kept  thus  long  invol 
untarily  at  the  rear.  Every  call  for  men  had  been  met,  and 
recruiting  discontinued.  Some  of  the  men  had  been  re 
strained  by  various  just  reasons.  One  man — Henry  Wheeler 
— on  the  noon  of  the  day  on  which  he  came  of  age,  laid  aside 
his  work  in  the  office  of  the  Troy  Times,  and  marched 
straight  to  a  recruiting  office  and  enrolled  his  name  under 
Captain  S.  C.  Armstrong,  in  "  D  "  Company. 

All  had  caught  the  inspiration  of  service  when  the  North 
was  electrified  and  united  by  the  flare  of  the  guns  of  Sumter, 
on  April  I2th  and  I3th,  1861.  The  writer  was  in  the  crowd 
gathered  in  Union  Depot,  where,  among  others,  George  W. 
Demers  spoke  forceful  words  of  patriotism.  Then  the  stream 
of  life,  headed  by  Honorable  John  A.  Griswold,  poured  down 
to  First  Street  and  the  home  of  one  in  whom  Troy  had  long 
taken  pride — General  John  E.  Wool.  Here  Mr.  Griswold 
appealed  to  the  General  to  buckle  on  his  sword  and  lead  his 
countrymen  to  renewed  victories,  and  that  veteran  gave 
eager  pledge  of  service. 

Among  the  first  to  respond  to  the  call  of  the  Government 
for  troops  were  the  men  of  Troy  and  Rensselaer  County. 
The  Second  Regiment,  New  York  Volunteers,  which  failed 
in  securing  the  number  "  First "  by  a  brief  delay  made  neces 
sary  to  correct  a  slight  technical  error  in  the  preparation  of 
its  papers,  was  a  Troy  regiment.  Its  colonel  was  likely  to 
have  been  the  one  who  afterwards  led  forth  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment,  but  who,  as  a  regular  army 
officer,  was  not  at  first  permitted  to  enter  the  volunteer  ser 
vice,  Major  George  Lamb  Willard.  The  choice  had  then 
fallen  to  one  who  by  faithful  service  arose  to  the  rank  of 
Major-General,  Joseph  B.  Carr,  subsequently  honored  by  his 
fellow  citizens  with  high  office  in  State. 

Eagerly  were  the  papers  scanned  that  brought  intelligence 
from  the  "front,"  and  the  news  of  battles  served  as  larger 


THE  PREPARATION.  3 

incentives  to  enlistment  when  another  call  should  come  from 
Washington.  Thus  had  the  word  been  read  of  not  a  few 
battles,  in  a  part  of  which  Troy  men  had  been  engaged. 

On  April  igth,  1861,  Massachusetts  soldiers  (the  Sixth 
Regiment)  were  mobbed  on  the  streets  of  Baltimore.  This 
brought  the  reality  of  war  nearer  home  than  Sumter  had 
done.  It  meant  struggle  at  the  very  doors  of  the  North. 


THE  SIXTH  MASSACHUSETTS  MOBBED  IN  BALTIMORE. 

Following  this,  on  May  24th  our  troops  crossed  the  Poto 
mac  to  Arlington  Heights,  and  farther  down  the  river  occu 
pied  Alexandria.  Here  the  gallant  Ellsworth,  while  bearing 
in  triumph  the  rebel  flag  torn  from  the  staff  on  the  top  of 
the  Marshall  House,  was  shot  on  the  upper  landing  of  the 
stairs  by  the  proprietor — one  Jackson — who  was  quickly 
punished  for  his  dastardly  act  by  a  bullet  from  the  hand  of 


4  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWFNTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  VOLS. 

a  Troy  boy,  Francis  E.  Brownell,  a  schoolmate  of  the  writer, 
Brownell  escorted  the  body  of  his  dead  Colonel  to  Tro\% 
and  to  its  resting  place  at  Mechanicsville,  New  York,  and 
was  subsequently,  by  the  efforts  of  Honorable  Martin  L 
Townsend,  made  a  lieutenant  for  his  gallantry. 


SERGEANT   BKOWNELL. 


Colonel  Ellsworth's  Regiment  had  been  forwarded  to 
Washington  by  Major-General  John  E.  Wool,  who,  at  a 
critical  time,  assumed  charge  of  military  affairs  at  New  York, 
and  gave  directions  of  great  importance,  that  favored  the 
relief  of  Washington,  sorely  threatened  by  men  in  full  rebel 
lion  against  the  Government.  Later,  he  was  placed  in  com 
mand  of  the  Department  of  Southeastern  Virginia,  with 
headquarters  at  Fortress  Monroe,  and  rendered  good  service 
there,  leading  our  troops  in  their  entrance  into  Norfolk,  Vir 
ginia,  when  this  city  fell  into  our  hands. 

Baltimore — and  with  it,  Maryland — was  made  secure  to 
the  Union  cause  by  the  energetic  action  of  General  Benjamin 
F.  Butler,  who,  if  not  among  the  most  successful  generals  of  the 
war,  nevertheless  at  times  displayed  a  practical  sense  and  a 
courage  of  action  that  solved  pressing  difficulties.  By  his 
determined  course  in  May,  '61,  a  pathway  was  permanently 
opened  through  Baltimore  for  the  tens  of  thousands  of  troops 
passing  to  Washington  and  the  front. 

In  that  same  month  of  May,  Troy  troops,  with  others,  took 


THE    PREPARATION.  5 

possession  of  Newport  News,  Va.,  and  on  the  loth  of  June 
the  Second  New  York  Volunteers  was  in  the  engagement  at 
Big  Bethel,  Va.,  which  at  the  time  awakened  no  little  excite 
ment  in  Troy,  and  whose  details  were  eagerly  listened  to  by 
the  people ;  but  which,  beside  subsequent  service  on  the  part 
of  that  same  regiment,  was  a  very  little  Bethel. 

The  months  of  June  and  July  were  for  the  most  part 
marked  by  skirmishes  in  Maryland  and  Virginia,  and  in  Mis 
souri.  But  little  account  is  made  in  general  history  of  these 
smaller  actions,  to  be  numbered  in  the  progress  of  the  war 
by  hundreds;  yet  many  of  them,  counting  but  a  few  killed 
and  wounded,  made  their  impress  of  sorrow  in  homes  North 
and  South  with  which  the  names  of  places,  standing  for  no 
great  battles,  became  forever  associated,  because  of  the  death 
of  loved  ones.  Thus,  in  June,  there  were  shirmishes  at  Fair 
fax  Court  House,  Patterson's  Creek  and  Frankfort,  Va.,  and 
at  Seneca  Mills,  Conrad's  Ferry  and  Edward's  Ferry,  Md. ; 
and,  in  addition  to  Big  Bethel,  actions  at  Philippi  and  Rom- 
ney,  Va.  (afterwards  West  Virginia),  and  near  Booneville,  Mo. 
The  results  were  victories  to  the  Union  arms,  and  the  exalta 
tion  of  the  names  of  General  George  B.  McClellah  and  Gen 
eral  Nathaniel  Lyon,  the  former  of  whom,  a  month  later,  won 
the  battles  of  Rich  Mountain  and  Carrick's  Ford,  which 
opened  the  way  for  his  promotion  to  the  high  command  he 
subsequently  filled,  never  afterwards,  however,  showing  the 
celerity  of  movement  that  marked  his  career  when  in  com 
mand  of  20,000  men  in  Western  Virginia.  General  Lyon 
was,  soon  after  the  Booneville  action,  killed  in  the  battle  at 
Wilson's  Creek,  Mo.  The  first  triumphs  of  the  war  were  on 
the  side  of  the  Union. 

July  brought  with  it  more  numerous  skirmishes  and  en 
gagements — some  larger,  some  smaller — in  Virginia  and  Mis 
souri,  and  marks  on  its  calendar  the  most  considerable  battle 
thus  far  in  the  war.  It  was  fought  on  Sunday,  July  2ist. 
That  the  army  was  moving  on  that  day  was  known  among 
those  who  afterwards  formed  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty- 
fifth  Regiment,  some  of  whom  will  remember  that  in  the 


6  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  X.  V.  S.  VOLS. 

places  of  worship  on  that  Sunday  prayer  was  offered  for  the 
guidance  of  the  God  of  battles,  a  form  of  supplication  that 
became  familiar  as  the  months  of  strife  swelled  into  years  of 
war.  The  place  of  the  battle  secured  even  a  more  bloody 
prominence  a  year  later.  The  battle  itself — of  Bull  Run- 
has  been  carefully  narrated  in  general  histories  of  the  war, 
and  described  by  the  pens  of  individual  actors  in  the  scene. 


BULL   KUN   BATTLE-FIELD. 

The  above  picture  represents  the  field  as  the  writer  passed 
over  it  some  months  after  the  first  battle  of  Bull  Run.  The 
Commander  of  the  Union  forces  was  known  as  a  Troy  man, 
General  Irvin  McDowell.  Beyond  a  doubt  his  plan  of  battle 
was  most  admirable.  Purposing  at  first  to  turn  the  enemy's 
right  at  Blackburn's  Ford ;  and,  thwarted  in  this  through  the 
betrayal  of  his  plan,  he  quickly  formed  another  to  assail  the 
enemy  on  the  left  and  rear  of  their  position  by  way  of  Sudley 
Church,  and  despite  the  delay  which  precluded  a  surprise,  the 
Union  troops  were  for  the  most  part  successful  up  to  3 
o'clock,  P.  M.,  when  the  additional  reinforcements  under 
General  E.  Kirby  Smith,  from  the  Shenandoah,  gave  the 
Confederates  the  advantage,  and,  our  right  and  rear  assailed, 
the  Union  forces  were  completely  disorganized  and  crowded 
in  disorder  to  the  rear.  Considering  the  untrained  con- 


THE  PREPARATION.  7 

dition  of  the  men  who  fought  at  Bull  Run,  many  of  them 
being  three  months  volunteers,  their  gallant  conduct,  until 
flanked  and  assailed  in  rear,  revealed  the  good  material  of 
our  army. 

Real  fighting  had  now  been  entered  upon,  as  was  plainly 
seen  when  the  number  of  killed  on  the  Union  side  was  481 ; 
of  wounded,  1,011  ;  and  of  missing  1,460:  while  on  the  other 
side  the  killed  amounted  to  269;  the  wounded  to  1,483;  and 
at  least  900  were  taken  as  prisoners  to  Washington.  In  the 
battle  was  the  Second  Maine,  Second  New  Hampshire,  Sec 
ond  Vermont;  First,  Fourth  and  Fifth  Massachusetts;  First 
and  Second  Rhode  Island ;  First,  Second  and  Third  Connec 
ticut  ;  Eighth,  Eleventh,  Twelfth,  Thirteenth,  Sixteenth, 
Eighteenth,  Twenty -seventh,  Twenty- ninth,  Thirty- first, 
Thirty-second,  Thirty-fifth,  Thirty-eighth  and  Thirty-ninth 
New  York  Volunteers;  Second,  Eighth,  Fourteenth,  Sixty- 
ninth,  Seventy-first  and  Seventy-ninth  New  York  Militia; 
Twenty-seventh  Pennsylvania  Volunteers ;  First,  Second  and 
Third  Michigan ;  First  Minnesota;  First  and  Second  Ohio; 
detachments  of  the  Second,  Third  and  Eighth  United  States 
Infantry,  and  a  battalion  of  marines;  of  artillery — batteries 
D,  E,  G  and  M,  Second  Artillery ;  E,  Third  Artillery ;  D,  Fifth 
Artillery,  and  the  Second  Rhode  Island  battery;  of  cavalry- 
detachments  from  the  First  and  Second  Dragoons.  Among 
the  killed  were  Brigadier-Generals  B.  E.  Bee  and  Barton, 
C.  S.  A.  Though  a  sore  defeat,  it  was  a  needful  lesson  ;  and,  if 
the  South  was  elated  to  press  forward  the  conflict,  the  slower 
kindling  North  came  to  burn  with  a  deeper  determination  to 
battle  for  the  Union.  It  was  the  anthracite  against  the  bitu 
minous ;  as  one  of  our  poets  expressed,  the  "pine"  against 
the  "palm." 

In  an  article  on  Bull  Run  by  General  Beauregard,  with  the 
usual  characteristic  of  Southern  generals  to  magnify  Confed 
erate  victories  by  depreciating  their  own  resources  and  mul 
tiplying  Federal  forces,  he  represents  the  rebel  army  as 
fighting  against  an  overwhelming  force ;  whereas,  according 
to  his  own  figures  he  had  21,923  infantry,  cavalry  and  artil- 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  YOLS. 

lery,  and  29  guns;  while  a  fully  authenticated  statement 
shows  that  General  McDowell  crossed  Bull  Run  with  896 
officers,  17,676  rank  and  file,  and  24  pieces  of  artillery.  Had 
not  reinforcements  come  to  Beauregard  at  a  critical  time, 
or  had  McDowell  received  reinforcements  from  the  Shen- 
andoah  Valley,  the  first  battle  of  Bull  Run  would  have  been 
numbered  on  the  list  of  Union  victories.  As  it  was,  the 
rebel  army  was  in  no  condition  to  follow  up  its  triumph. 

Following  this  battle  began  the  days  of  the  "  Little  Napo 
leon  "  in  connection  with  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  He  who 
would  depreciate  General  McClellan's  service  in  the  war 
must  overlook  his  inestimable  achievement  of  organizing  one 
of  the  greatest  and  best  armies  that  ever  confronted  foe  on 
difficult  fields.  If  it  be  said  that  he  took  too  much  time  to 
" organize  victory";  that  nearly  a  year  passed  ere  he  was 
ready  to  advance,  and  that  then  his  chief  and  reiterated  call 
was  for  reinforcements ;  if  it  be  said  that  the  brilliant  officer 
who  shot  up  into  prominence  in  Western  Virginia  became 
conservative  to  an  extent  that  cast  suspicion  upon  his  ability 
as  an  army  commander,  upon  his  moral  courage  to  fight  his 
men,  and  even  upon  his  loyalty,  what  he  did  for  the  country 
in  perfecting  the  discipline  of  one  of  the  chief  armies  of  the 
Republic  should  not  be  forgotten.  His  ringing  "orders" 
captivated  the  Government,  thrilled  the  country,  and  inspired 
confidence  in  his  men  who  sincerely  loved  "  Little  Mac." 
And  greatly  would  we  be  rejoiced  if  his  words  that  flashed 
"all  around  the  sky"  had  actualized  in  lightning  which  more 
than  once  might  have  smitten  prostrate  the  centre  of  the 
rebellion,  Richmond. 

Amid  a  multitude  of  skirmishes,  "  actions,"  "  engagements," 
and  expeditions  that  crowded  the  time  in  ever  increasing 
number,  and  widened  the  area  of  the  operations  of  the  con 
tending  forces,  at  the  West  and  East,  and  along  the  sea- 
coast — all  of  which  had  brief  notice,  from  time  to  time,  in 
the  daily  press,  which  served  so  large  a  purpose  in  the  war — 
were  some  battles  of  startling  magnitude.  The  accounts  of 
these  were  more  eagerly  scanned,  for  it  came  to  pass  that 


THE  PREPARATION.  9 

people  thirsted  for  news  of  large  engagements  whose  cas 
ualties  ran  into  hundreds  and  thousands.  From  Missouri 
the  conflict  spread  into  Kentucky,  and  the  name  of  General 
John  C.  Fremont,  whose  candidacy  for  the  office  of  President 
had  been  among  the  elements  preparing  the  North  for  the 
impending  struggle,  came  anew  into  prominence.  And 
another  name  appeared  above  the  horizon,  destined  steadily 
to  grow  brighter  and  to  abide  and  be  revered  by  his  country 
men  in  all  after  time — the  name  of  General  Ulysses  S.  Grant. 

The  inactivity  for  the  most  part  of  the  Army  of  the  Poto 
mac,  now  grown  to  a  strength  of  200,000  men,  during  the 
Autumn  and  early  Winter  of  1861 — still  remembered  as  a 
season  unusually  favorable  for  military  operations  in  Vir 
ginia — created  not  a  little  dissatisfaction,  which  was  shared 
by  the  people  of  Troy,  New  York.  The  feeling  was  increas 
ing,  that  failure  was  to  be  the  outcome  of  the  Nation's 
struggle,  when  the  triumphs  of  General  Grant  at  the  West 
revived  and  intensified  hope  throughout  the  country.  The 
news  of  the  capture  of  Fort  Donelson  worked  as  a  tonic. 
''Unconditional  Surrender"  Grant  became  a  watchword. 
Thirteen  thousand  five  hundred  men  were  captured ;  and 
three  thousand  horses,  forty-eight  field  pieces,  seventeen 
heavy  guns,  twenty  thousand  muskets,  and  a  large  quantity 
of  military  stores  formed  the  spoils.  The  losses  in  actual 
battle  were  larger  on  the  Union  than  on  the  Confederate 
side ;  numbering  four  hundred  and  forty-six  killed,  one  'thou 
sand  seven  hundred  and  forty-five  wounded,  and  one  hundred 
and  fifty  prisoners ;  while  the  estimated  loss  of  the  Confeder 
ates  was  two  hundred  and  thirty-seven  killed,  and  one  thou 
sand  and  seven  wounded. 

The  capture  of  Island  Number  Ten  was  another  inspiriting 
element  during  the  early  part  of  1862.  The  battle  of  Pea 
Ridge  in  March  was  followed  by  that  fierce  strife  at  Shiloh 
in  April.  The  fighting  on  the  6th  of  April,  the  first  day  of 
the  battle,  was  against  the  Union  forces ;  but  the  temporary 
disaster  was  anything  but  a  rout,  as  must  appear  when  the 
point  mentioned  by  General  Grant  is  remembered,  viz. :  that 


10       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

from  early  morning  until  the  darkness  of  the  night,  the 
Union  army  was  forced  back  only  the  short  distance  of  a 
mile;  while  on  the  7th  of  April,  Grant,  with  unwavering  pur 
pose  and  hope  undaunted,  pressed  forward  his  lines  to  a 
complete  victory.  It  is  the  end  of  a  battle  that  marks  vic 
tory  or  defeat  for  one  side  or  the  other,  and  the  end  of  Shi- 
loh  was  defeat  to  the  rebels,  with  the  loss  of  one  of  their 
ablest  Generals,  A.  S.  Johnston — by  many  at  the  South  as 
well  as  at  the  North  deemed  their  very  ablest  officer.  This 
was  the  largest  battle  of  the  war  up  to  the  Spring  of  1862. 
On  the  Union  side  fell  1,735  killed  and  7,882  wounded,  with 
3,956  missing.  On  the  rebel  side  were  killed  1,728,  wounded, 
8,012,  and  missing,  959:  the  number  of  killed  and  wounded 
on  either  side  being  surprisingly  near.  The  Union  troops 
engaged  were  the  ist,  2d,  3d,  4th,  5th  and  6th  Divisions, 
Army  of  the  District  of  West  Tennessee;  2d,  4th  and  5th 
Divisions,  and  2ist  Brigade  of  the  6th  Division,  Army  of  the 
Ohio ;  and  gunboats  Tyler  and  Lexington.  In  addition  to 
Major-General  Albert  Sidney  Johnston,  the  Commander- 
in-Chief  of  the  Confederate  forces,  Brigadier-General  A.  H. 
Gladden  of  their  army  was  killed ;  and  Major-General  W.  S. 
Cheatham,  and  Brigadier-Generals  C.  Clark,  B.  R.  Johnson, 
and  J.  S.  Bowen  were  wounded.  On  the  Union  side  no 
general  officers  were  killed,  but  Generals  W.  T.  Sherman  and 
W.  H.  L.  Wallace  were  wounded,  and  General  B.  M.  Prentiss 
was  captured. 

It  is  not  needful  for  the  purposes  of  this  work  to  follow 
minutely  all  the  incidents  of  the  war.  But  in  tracing  the 
steps  of  preparation  for  the  call  of  300,000  men,  of  which 
the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment  New  York 
Volunteers  formed  a  part,  we  are  brought  more  immedi 
ately  to  events  in  Virginia  that  created  the  demand  for  more 
men,  a  demand  which  was  responded  to  by  many  who  had 
been  watching  the  progress  of  affairs  and  waiting  the  time 
when  duty  should  point  to  army  life.  It  may  appear  in  the 
aggregate  a  small  matter  that  a  particular  regiment  came 
into  service,  but  to  its  members  it  was  event  of  chief  im- 


THE  PREPARATION.  1 1 

portance,  for  it  brought  the  war  closest  home  and  involved 
nothing  less  than  imperilled  life  to  themselves. 

The  writer  attended  the  funeral  services  of  General  George 
B.  McClellan  in  New  York,  where  over  closed  coffin  was  re- 
peated  simplest  form  of  burial  service,  and  at  this  late  date, 
we  may  well  close  the  lid  over  much  of  failure  on  the  part  of 
one  who  had  the  most  magnificent  opportunity  of  the  war, 
but  who — as  event  proved — was  not  large-handed  enough  to 
wield  in  serious  campaign  a  large  army.  His  long-continued 
inactivity  and  a  growing  sense  of  personal  authority  at  last 
provoked  decisive  measures  on  the  part  of  the  patient  Lin 
coln;  and  towards  the  last  of  March,  1862,  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac  began  its  real  career  of  service.  With  a  grand 
army,  full  one  hundred  thousand  strong,  McClellan  made  his 
way  to  the  Peninsula,  with  starting  point  at  Fortress 
Monroe. 

Before  this,  on  Sunday,  March  9th,  occurred  the  famous 
battle,  off  Newport  News,  between  the  Merriinack  and  the 
little  Monitor.  The  victory  of  the  latter  craft,  whose  ex 
ploit  dated  a  revolution  in  naval  appliances,  removed  serious 
danger  by  water  from  McClellan's  movement. 

On  May  loth,  1862,  General  John  E.  Wool  captured  Nor 
folk,  Va.  He — a  hero  of  two  wars  (of  1812,  and  the  war  with 
Mexico) — made  good  his  word  given  to  his  fellow  citizens 
on  the  evening  of  April  I3th.  To  the  best  of  his  opportu 
nity  he  crowned  with  success  a  service  which  had  reached  to 
his  advanced  age  of  seventy-two,  and  he  well  merited  the  full 
rank  of  Major-General  in  the  United  States  Regular  Army, 
conferred  upon  him  May  i6th,  1862. 

We  cannot  close  this  chapter  without  giving  full  account  of 
that  meeting  in  Troy,  N.  Y.,  that  called  to  the  front  one  of 
the  most  eminent  soldiers  of  that  city;  and  at  which,  with 
others  named,  appeared  prominently  one  who,  before  the  war 
and  during  its  continuance,  and  since  its  close,  gave  and  has 
devoted  an  eminent  ability  of  mind  and  eloquence  of  tongue 
and  nobility  of  character,  to  the  service  of  his  country  and  of 
his  fellow  men — the  Honorable  Martin  I.  Townsend,  who- 


12          ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  VOLS. 

still  with  abiding  vigor  is  ready  to  plead  for  all  that  is  good 
in  patriotism,  in  society  and  in  religion. 

The  account  of  the  meeting  mentioned  is  taken  from  the 
Troy  Times  of  April  I5th,  1861.  It  is  a  link  in  the  chain  of 
this  history.  It  reads: 

MONDAY,  APRIL  15. 

The  call  for  a  meeting  of  citizens  to  be  held  at  Harmony  Hall  to  con 
sider  the  present  crisis  in  public  affairs.  The  Hall  at  half-past  seven 
o'clock  was  filled  to  its  utmost  capacity,  and  a  spirit  of  enthusiasm  from 
the  beginning  was  manifested.  The  stars  and  stripes  were  raised  over 
the  platform  and  every  allusion  to  them  by  the  speakers  drew  forth  thun 
ders  of  applause. 

At  8.30  Hon.  Isaac  McConihe  called  the  meeting  to  order  and  George 
W.  Demers  moved  the  following  list  of  gentlemen  as  the  officers  of  the 
meeting : 

President :  Hon.  John  A.  Griswold. 

Vice-Presidents :  Hon.  Isaac  McConihe,  Hon.  G.  Robertson,  Jr., 
Hon.  Jonas  C.  Heartt,  N.  B.  Starbuck,  Henry  Ingram,  Hon.  George 
Gould. 

Secretaries :  W.  E.  Kisselburgh,  Jas.  S.  Thorn,  W.  H.  Merriam,  A.  G. 
Johnson. 

The  motion  was  adopted  unanimously.  The  president  upon  taking 
his  seat  addressed  the  meeting.  A  committee,  consisting  of  Messrs. 
Kisselburgh,  McConihe  and  Lottridge,  were  appointed  to  draft  resolu 
tions  expressive  of  the  sense  of  the  meeting  in  relation  to  the  great  ques 
tion  of  the  hour.  A  call  being  made  for  Isaac  McConihe  he  addressed 
the  meeting.  He  made  an  excellent  and  patriotic  speech. 

Mr.  Starbuck  was  next  called  upon,  but  excused  himself  from  speaking, 
choosing  to  adopt  the  sentiments  and  expressions  of  the  previous  speak 
ers.  Martin  I.  Townsend  was  next  called  upon,  and  while  speaking  was 
interrupted  by  Mr.  Wm.  Barton,  who  stated  there  were  thousands  out 
side  the  building  unable  to  get  in,  and  requesting  to  adjourn  to  the  Union 
Depot.  The  crowd  at  once  seconded  the  motion  and  adjourned  to  the 
depot,  where  at  least  5,000  people  assembled.  Mr.  Townsend  then  re 
sumed  his  address.  The  Troy  Glee  Club  then  rendered  "  Vive  1'Amer- 
ica"  in  a  very  effective  manner.  G.  W.  Demers  was  then  called  out  and 
spoke  about  15  minutes.  Mr,  Clarence  Buell  then  appeared  in  response 
to  numerous  calls. 

Upon  the  conclusion  of  Mr.  Buell's  remarks,  Mr,  Townsend  moved 
an  adjournment  to  the  residence  of  General  Wool,  so  that  the  immense 
assemblage  might  pay  their  respects  to  the  veteran,  who,  being  sick,  was 
unable  to  attend  the  demonstration.  The  vast  concourse  of  people,  with 


THE  PREPARATION.  13 

the  stars  and  stripes  at  their  head,  moved  to 'the  residence  of  the  general, 
where  a  scene  of  wild  enthusiasm  took  place.  Mr.  Townsend  addressed 
him  in  complimentary  terms,  to  which  the  gallant  old  hero  made  a  loyal 
reply.  President  Griswold  then  addressed  a  few  parting  words  to  the 
multitude.  The  meeting  then  adjourned  amidst  loud  cheering  for  the 
Union. 

The  meeting  was  one  of  the  most  successful  and  spirited  demonstra 
tions  ever  witnessed  in  this  city.  It  fully  established  the  loyalty  and 
patriotism  of  our  citizens,  and  if  there  were  any  who  before  sympathized 
with  the  traitors,  they  must  hide  their  heads  in  shame  at  the  impotent 
party  spirit  which  can  render  them  so  base  as  to  hold  country  secondary 
to  political  associations, 


FOKT  SUMTEB. 


CHAPTER   II. 

ORGANIZATION — TROY — LEAVING   HOME. 

"^HE  call  for  troops  which  summoned  the  One  Hundred 
-*-  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment,  with  tens  of  thousands  of 
other  troops,  was  immediately  preceded  by  one  of  the  most 
trying  times  of  the  war ;  and,  while  the  regiment  was  assem 
bling,  the  threatening  clouds  were  growing  denser,  and  did 
burst  in  a  flood  of  disaster  the  very  day  the  regiment  was 
summoned  to  the  front. 

The  time  demanded  enlarged  effort  on  the  part  of  the 
Government.  Useless  was  it  to  allow  regrets  over  disap 
pointed  hopes  to  lower  the  flag  of  the  Union. 

On  the  Peninsula  the  advance  of  the  Army  of  the  Poto 
mac  had  been  discouragingly  slow.  After  a  check  of  a 
month  by  a  feebly  supported  line  at  Yorktown,  which  yielded 
at  the  first  serious  move  of  our  forces ;  and,  after  Williams- 
burg  had  with  one  day's  dash  been  swept  aside,  nearly  two 
months  pass  in  "  organizing  victory."  Day  followed  day  of 
unexecuted  purposes  repeatedly  declared,  and  the  Chicka- 
hominy,  with  its  fever-breath,  served  as  a  potent  ally  of  the 
Confederates.  When  action  began  the  activity  was  on  the 
other  side.  On  the  3ist  of  May  the  left  of  the  Union  army, 
divided  from  the  right  by  the  Chickahominy,  was  assailed  at 
Seven  Pines  and  Fair  Oaks.  The  battle  was  named  Seven 
Pines  by  the  rebels,  and  Fair  Oaks  by  our  side.  The  blow 
fell  suddenly  and  was  well-nigh  fatal.  But  the  day  was 
retrieved  by  the  Second  Corps,  under  the  intrepid  Sumner. 
If  Seven  Pines  was  won  by  the  Confederates,  Fair  Oaks  was 
won  by  the  Union  troops;  and  the  battle  closing  June  1st, 
terminated  as  a  whole  in  our  favor.  Then  might  Richmond 
have  been  taken.  Hooker  pushed  unopposed  after  the  re 
treating  foe  within  four  miles  of  that  city,  only  to  be  sharply 


PENINSULAR   CAMPAIGN.  15 

recalled.  After  the  surrender  of  Richmond  in  1865,  the 
writer  was  told  by  a  citizen  of  that  city  that  the  expectation 
was  general  after  Fair  Oaks  that  our  army  would  march  into 
the  city.  Preparations  were  made  to  fire  the  place  in  the 
event  of  capture,  a  step  which  was  taken  when  the  city  was 
captured  in  '65.  Seven  Pines  and  Fair  Oaks  cost  the  Union 
forces  890  killed,  3,627  wounded,  and  1,222  missing;  while 
the  Confederates  lost  in  killed  2,800,  wounded  3,897,  and 
missing  1,300.  Besides  which,  the  Commander-in-Chief  of 
the  rebel  army,  General  Joseph  E.  Johnston — who  divides 
with  Albert  Sidney  Johnston  the  honor  of  being  the  fore 
most  general  of  the  South — was  severely  wounded  ;  and 
others  of  their  general  officers  were  killed  or  wounded.  At 
Fair  Oaks  our  General  O.  O.  Howard  lost  his  right  arm. 

Needless  is  it  to  detail  in  a  regimental  history  the  record 
of  the  Peninsular  Campaign.  But  Troy  men  were  there ; 
General  Joseph  B.  Carr,  with  his  Second  New  York  Regi 
ment  was  there ;  and  the  echo  of  the  guns  which  for  seven 
days  blazed  lightning  in  front  of  Richmond  reached  the  men 
whose  history  these  pages  trace,  and  to  the  loud  call  they 
responded,  "  Present." 

What  better  fighting  could  be  demanded  than  that  of  the 
Union  troops  at  Beaver  Dam  Creek,  where  the  rebels  were 
repulsed  with  fearful  slaughter  to  their  men  ?  Or,  even  at 
Games'  Mill,  where  one  to  two  our  men  fought  the  rebels — 
27,000  men  (50  regiments  and  20  batteries,  some  of  which 
were  not  engaged),  against  129  regiments  and  19  batteries, 
amounting  to  65,000  men;  among  these  the  35,000  men  of 
"Stonewall"  Jackson,  just  returned  by  forced  marches  from 
his  brilliant  campaign  in  the  Shenandoah.  Here,  against 
overwhelming  numbers  our  forces  hurled  back  repeated 
charges,  and  were  victorious  until  after  sunset ;  and  then  the 
line  gave  way  through  misconduct  of  some  of  our  cavalry  on 
the  left. 

How  could  men  do  better  than  did  the  Union  forces  at 
Allen's  Farm  and  Savage  Station,  on  the  29th  of  June,  or  in 
that  fierce  strife  on  the  3Oth,  at  White  Oak  Swamp  and  Glen- 


l6  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWFNTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  VOLS. 

dale,  in  each  of  which  dire  encounters  our  forces  were  victor 
ious!  What  triumph  more  decided  than  that  at  Malvern 
Hill!  In  every  engagement  but  one  our  army  was  victor 
ious  ;  yet  the  morale  of  the  campaign  was  against  us :  for  even 
after  Malvern  Hill  the  word  was  "yet  backward" — to  our 
"supplies."  Is  it  true  that  the  brave  Hancock  broke  his 
sword  at  Malvern  Hill  and  cried  "Treason?"  We  could 
almost  credit  such  report  heard  afterwards  in  the  army.  An 
enthusiastic  soldier  of  McClellan's  army  exclaimed  in  the 
hearing  of  the  writer:  "McClellan  made  the  greatest  retreat 
in  history!"  But,  it  was  a  retreat.  The  new  " base"  brought 
the  Army  of  the  Potomac  no  nearer  Richmond.  The  move 
was  bravely  made,  it  was  bravely  fought ;  and  the  enemy  was 
sorely  punished,  losing  2,820  killed,  14,011  wounded  and  752 
missing;  to  our  1,582  killed,  7,709  wounded  and  5,958  miss 
ing.  I  give  the  figures  contained  in  the  official  records  of 
the  Adjutant-General  and  Surgeon-General  of  the  United 
States.  General  Walker  in  his  history  of  the  Second  Army 
Corps  makes  our  losses  1,734  killed,  8,062  wounded,  6,053 
missing;  in  all  15,849. 

Altogether,  the  campaign  meant — the  end  farther  off ;  it 
meant  more  men  for  suffering  and  sacrifice,  ere  the  war  should 
close  and  the  Union  prevail.  Malvern  Hill  was  fought  July 
ist.  The  next  day  sounded  forth  the  call  for  300,000  more 
troops.  It  was  the  fifth  of  the  fifteen  calls  issued  for  men. 

The  citizens  of  Troy,  N.  Y.,  were  alive  to  the  need.  Hon. 
John  A.  Griswold  obtained  authority  to  recruit  a  regiment, 
and  entered  with  zeal  upon  the  task.  A  camp  was  estab 
lished  on  the  Lansingburgh  road,  but  within  the  limits  of  the 
city,  at  the  extreme  northern  boundary  of  Troy.  It  was 
located  near  the  Hudson  River,  and  was  termed  "Camp  Hal- 
leek."  Barracks  and  "  mess"  room  were  erected,  and  enlist 
ment  under  various  officers  and  under  general  charge  of  a 
War  Committee,  began.  The  first  man  to  give  his  name  was 
Charles  H.  Main,  who  enlisted  July  I2th,  1862,  and  proved 
to  be,  unto  the  end,  a  faithful  soldier.  The  writer  com 
mended  him  to  General  Seth  Williams  on  the  8th  of  April, 


ORGANIZATION — MUSTERED  IN.  I/ 

'65,  as  a  suitable  person,  because  of  his  bravery,  to  carry  a 
flag  of  truce  beyond  the  lines.  General  Williams  had 
brought  to  the  skirmish  line  the  letters  of  General  Grant  to 
General  Lee  concerning  the  surrender  of  Lee's  army.  On 
August  27th  a  full  complement  of  officers  and  the  maximum 
number  of  enlisted  men  (about  1,006)  were  mustered  into  the 
United  States  service  to  serve  for  a  period  of  three  years 
unless  sooner  discharged.  In  the  days  of  its  assembling  the 
regiment  was  under  immediate  charge  of  Levin  Crandell, 
colonel  of  the  Twenty-fourth  New  York  State  Militia.  The 
men,  as  fast  as  they  reached  camp,  were  placed  at  once  under 
military  discipline.  At  sunrise  the  roll  of  each  company  was 
called ;  at  eight  o'clock  guard  was  detailed,  and  at  nine 
came  "squad"  drill.  From  5  to  6,  P.  M.,  occurred  company 
drill,  followed  at  6  by  dress  parade.  Evening  roll-call  took 
place  at  9.30  and  at  10  o'clock  taps  sounded  and  lights  were 
put  out.  The  early  camp  life  was  by  no  means  an  easy  one. 

Meanwhile,  the  necessity  of  service  was  intensifying.  By 
the  first  of  August  the  rebel  army  began  its  aggressive  north 
ward  movement.  On  the  third  of  August  wras  ordered  the 
removal  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  from  Harrison's  Land 
ing  to  Acquia  Creek,  Va.,  which  removal  began  on  the  sev 
enth  of  that  month.  Events  were  ripening  for  another  and 
more  dreadful  harvest  of  death  at  Bull  Run.  Crimination 
and  re-crimination  among  Union  officers;  the  dishonorable 
discharge  of  one  prominent  officer  who  had  fought  full  well 
at  Games'  Mill,  and  who  recently  has  been  exonerated  of 
blame  by  Congress  for  his  conduct  at  Bull  Run:  all  that  may 
be  said  in  excuse  does  not  do  away  with  the  fact  that  our 
forces  under  General  Pope  suffered  at  Manassas  a  serious  de 
feat,  losing  in  killed  800,  wounded  4,000,  missing  3,000;  while 
the  rebels  lost  in  killed  700,  wounded  3,000  and  number  of 
missing  unknown.  Only  a  part  of  our  available  forces  were 
used,  and  herein  was  the  fatal  mistake. 

Honorable  John  A.  Griswold  was  prevented  from  muster 
ing  as  colonel  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regi 
ment.  It  was  now  found  that  Major  George  Lamb  Willard, 


1 8        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

who  had  been  at  the  front  in  the  Peninsular  Campaign,  and 
part  of  the  time  in  command  of  his  regiment,  could  be  trans 
ferred  from  the  regular  to  the  volunteer  service.  His  ser 
vices  were  gladly  secured.  His  social  relations  made  him  a 
Trojan,  and  his  military  career  had  awakened  a  just  pride  in 
him  as  a  man  and  a  soldier.  He  arrived  in  camp  August  22d, 
impressing  the  men  at  once  as  a  strict  disciplinarian  and  a 
thorough  soldier. 

Levin  Crandell,  who  had  been  in  charge  of  the  regiment  in 
its  formation,  by  request  of  the  War  Committee  was  ap 
proached  on  its  behalf  by  Mr.  Charles  Eddy,  who  offered  to 
him  the  commission  of  lieutenant-colonel.  Although  having 
no  definite  plan  of  going  to  the  field,  yet  deeply  interested  in 
the  cause  of  the  Union,  Mr.  Crandell — for  years  a  personal 
and  respected  friend  of  the  writer — saw  in  the  proffer  a  call 
to  service,  and  accepted  the  commission. 

As  fully  organized  the  regiment  comprised  the  following 
officers: 

Colonel,  George  L.  Willard ;  lieutenant  colonel,  Levin  Cran 
dell;  major,  James  C.  Bush;  adjutant,  Elias  P.  Sheldon;  quar 
termaster,  L.  Chandler  Ball;  chaplain,  Joseph  L.  Barlow;  sur 
geon,  W.  S.  Cooper;  assistant  surgeons,  H.  E.  Benedict, 
Washington  Akin. 

Company  A — Captain,  D.  E.  Cornell ;  first  lieutenant,  E. 
A.  Hartshorn;  second  lieutenant,  W.  H.  Hakes. 

Company  B — Captain,  A.  B.  Myer;  first  lieutenant,  Charles 
H.  Taylor;  second  lieutenant,  John  Quay. 

Company  C — Captain,  F.  S.  Esmond ;  first  lieutenant,  W. 
H.  Plumb,  jr.;  second  lieutenant,  David  Comeskey. 

Company  D — Captain,  S.  C.  Armstrong;  first  lieutenant, 
T.  F.  Sheldon ;  second  lieutenant,  P.  Garden. 

Company  E — Captain,  William  Dimond;  first  lieutenant, 
Calvin  Bush;  second  lieutenant,  Egbert  Jolls. 

Company  F — Captain,  Nelson  Penfield;  first  lieutenant, 
Frank  Chamberlain ;  second  lieutenant,  W.  D.  Taylor. 

Company  G — Captain,  George  E.  Lemon ;  first  lieutenant, 
W.  K.  Newcomb;  second  lieutenant,  L.  H.  Stevens. 


TO  THE  FRONT.  19 

Company  H — Captain,  Ephraim  Wood ;  first  lieutenant, 
Joseph  Hyde ;  second  lieutenant,  D.  Hagadorn. 

Company  I — Captain,  E.  P.  Jones;  first  lieutenant,  A. 
Buchanan,  jr. ;  second  lieutenant,  E.  Fink. 

Company  K — Captain,  J.  V.  W.  Vandenburgh ;  first  lieu 
tenant,  Charles  A.  Pickett ;  second  lieutenant,  McG.  Stec-le. 

As  the  organization  was  completed  the  eagerness  of  the 
men  to  leave  for  the  seat  of  war  increased  almost  to  impa 
tience.  The  desire  was  soon  granted.  Marching  orders 
•came  on  the  morning  of  August  3Oth.  The  day  was  exceed 
ingly  fair.  Friends  and  kindred  flocked  to  the  camp-ground 
for  leave-taking.  The  bustle  of  preparation  was  mingled 
with  the  good-bye  of  loved  ones.  As  the  evening  came  on 
the  men  formed  in  line  with  songs  of  joyfulness,  full  of  patri 
otic  zeal.  Parade  through  the  city  was  dispensed  with,  and 
the  regiment  was  marched  to  the  nearest  convenient  point, 
not  many  rods  distant,  where  twenty-eight  cars  with  two 
locomotives  were  in  readiness  to  convey  us  to  New  York. 
We  boarded  the  train  about  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening. 
Colonel  Willard  now  formally  assumed  command  of  the  reg 
iment.  As  we  passed  through  Union  Depot  in  Troy,  we  saw  an 
immense  crowd  there  gathered,  formed  in  part  of  a  war  pro 
cession,  which  amid  the  blaze  of  Roman  candles  and  the 
shoutings  of  good-cheer  greeted  us.  The  cars  were  stopped 
about  an  hour  just  below  Adams  Street,  where  a  few  men 
stepped  off  the  train  and  forgot  to  step  on  again. 

The  regiment  arrived  in  New  York  at  an  early  hour  Sun 
day  morning,  August  3 1st.  We  were  marched  at  once  to 
the  Park  Barracks,  where  we  remained  until  three  o'clock  in 
the  afternoon.  We  then  took  the  steamboat  John  Potter 
for  South  Amboy,  N.  J.  As  we  sailed  down  the  bay,  from 
the  shores,  on  either  side,  the  regiment  was  hailed  with 
cheer  after  cheer.  At  every  little  hamlet  the  windows  and 
housetops  were  brilliant  with  the  "  stars  and  stripes  "  waved 
by  many  a  fair  hand. 

Although  it  was  midnight  when  we  reached  Philadelphia, 
the  hospitable  and  patriotic  people  of  that  city  were  ready 


20        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

to  welcome  us  with  a  substantial  meal — a  kind  of  welcome 
repeatedly  extended  to  us  in  that  same  "  City  of  Brotherly 
Love. " 

After  a  short  rest  we  took  cars  for  Baltimore,  which  city 
we  did  not  reach  until  September  ist.  A  part  of  the  men 
were  here  armed  with  Enfield  rifles.  Dinner  was  served ; 
and,  after  a  delay  of  hours — during  which  we  were  driven 
under  shelter  of  the  depot  by  a  rain-storm — we  were  placed, 
about  midnight,  on  cars  destined  for  Virginia.  We  had 
expected  to  be  sent  to  Washington,  but  we  now  learned  that 
we  were  to  proceed  to  Martinsburg,  Va.  Regrets  were  ex 
pressed  at  this  change  of  destination.  But  other  new  regi 
ments  which  at  that  time  passed  through  Baltimore  to  Wash 
ington  soon  found  themselves  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac 
and  plunged  in  the  bloody  baptism  of  Antietam. 


CHAPTER   III. 

MARTINSBURG — HARPER'S   FERRY. 

"^HE  necessities  of  the  service  forbade  taking  into  ac- 
-*•  count  the  total  ignorance  and  inexperience  of  men  in 
military  affairs.  A  man  might  never  have  loaded  or  fired  a 
rifle  ;  he  might  never  have  gone  through  company  or  regimen 
tal  evolutions  ;  yet  as  needs  were,  if  he  had  put  on  the  uni 
form  of  a  soldier,  a  gun  was  placed  in  his  hands  and  he  was 
told  to  fight.  And,  for  the  most  part,  men  so  summoned  did 
fight  and  fought  well ;  and  they  learned  in  brief  while  in  the 
school  of  experience  what  no  amount  of  camp  instruction 
could  teach.  The  recruits  under  Grant  at  Fort  Donelson 
and  at  Shiloh  knew  more  of  the  art  of  war  after  the  days 
passed  at  those  places  under  fire  than  many  in  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac  learned  in  months  of  skilled  training  out  of  dan 
ger.  If  not  so  much  could  be  expected  of  newly  enlisted 
men  as  of  old  soldiers,  yet  on  many  a  hard  fought  field  was  it 
proved  that  the  heart  of  valor  speedily  taught  the  hand  to  do 
valiant  service  for  the  country. 

We  have  therefore  no  apologies  to  make  for  the  early  days 
of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  New  York  Volun 
teers.  No  apologies  are  needed  for  any  want  of  courage  on 
their  part  in  danger. 

At  midnight  of  September  ist  the  men,  sleeping  on  the 
floor  in  the  depot  at  Baltimore,  were  aroused  for  their  depar 
ture  to  the  immediate  seat  of  operations.  They  knew  what 
their  new  destination  meant  to  them.  Armies  were  moving, 
battles  were  fighting  and  more  were  impending ;  and  the  men 
nerved  themselves  for  a  speedy  contact  with  the  foe. 

We  reached  Martinsburg,  Virginia,  on  the  2d  of  Septem 
ber  and  were  marched  to  the  hills  to  the  east  of  the  village. 
The  first  night  we  passed  here  gave  us  a  taste  of  things  to 


22        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

which  we  had  been  unaccustomed.  The  regiment  was  with 
out  shelter ;  and  the  night  brought  with  it  dew  as  heavy  as 
rain  and  as  chill  as  frost. 

On  Wednesday,  September  3d,  tents  were  pitched  and  the 
camp  was  placed  in  order.  Never  was  the  camp  of  the  regi 
ment  in  anything  but  good  order  when  it  was  located  for  any 
considerable  length  of  time  in  a  place.  The  time  passed  at 
Martinsburg  was  devoted  to  the  usual  duties  of  a  soldier's  life. 
The  men  were  "drilled"  daily  ;  guard  and  picket  duty  was  per 
formed.  Our  first  Sunday  was  spent  in  building  earthworks. 
Frequent  "scares"  were  the  order  of  the  day.  Some  cavalry 
stationed  with  us  enlivened  our  interest  and  gratified  our 
curiosity  by  bringing  into  camp,  from  an  expedition  towards 
Winchester,  a  few  veritable,  live  "graybacks."  They  were 
shabbily  dressed,  but  to  some  of  us  they  were  clothed  with 
the  interest  of  veterans. 

Chaplain  Barlow  sought  to  do  his  duty  by  gathering  the 
men  on  the  company  streets  and  at  his  tent  for  religious  ser 
vices.  Those  early  days  of  military  life  dated  the  enlistment 
of  some  of  the  men  under  the  white  banner  of  the  Cross. 

By  the  nth  of  the  month  the  rumors  thickened  of  the  ap 
proach  of  "Stonewall"  Jackson  with  an  overwhelming  force. 
The  rumors  were  true.  The  rebel  army  was  on  the  move  in 
the  first  great  invasion  of  northern  soil.  We  are  able  to 
write  of  Maryland  as  northern  soil.  Jackson  was  making  one 
of  his  bold  strokes — akin  to  that  at  Manassas  a  short  time  be 
fore,  and  like  his  daring  exploit  afterwards  at  Chancellorsville. 
His  plan  was  nothing  less  than  to  detach  himself  from  the 
main  army  and  by  a  quick  move  to  capture  our  forces  in  the 
Shenandoah  and  at  Harper's  Ferry.  Ordinarily  success  in 
such  a  movement  must  depend  upon  its  concealment  from 
the  commander  of  the  main  army  opposing ;  and  especially 
if  the  latter  is  within  striking  distance.  If  that  commander 
was  known  to  be  slow  of  movement  somewhat  might  be 
jeopardized  on  this  fact.  But  if  the  plan  is  disclosed  then 
surely  slowest-footed  general  will  quicken  his  pace  to  meet 
the  threatened  danger. 


HARPER  S  FERRY.  23 

And  here  comes  in  one  of  the  strangest  records  of  the  war. 
By  what  would  be  deemed  event  most  fortunate  into  Gen 
eral  McClellan's  hand  came  the  order  of  General  Lee  that 
pointed  out  the  purpose  to  capture  our  forces  at  Martins- 
burg  and  at  Harper's  Ferry,  and  the  entire  plans  of  the  rebels 
were  uncovered.  At  Frederick,  Maryland,  on  the  I2th  of 
September,  General  Lee's  order  was  secured.  It  was  dated 
on  the  gth.  It  reads : 

[Confidential.] 


HEAD-QUARTERS,  ARMY  OF  NORTHERN  VIRGINIA, 
September  gtht   1862, 


SPECIAL  ORDER,   } 


No.  191. 


III.  The  army  will  resume  its  march  to-morrow,  taking  the  Hagerstown  road. 
General  Jackson's  command  will  form  the  advance;  and  after  passing  Middleton 
with  such  portion  as  he  may  select,  take  the  route  toward  Sharpsburg,  cross  the 
Potomac  at  the  most  convenient  point,  and  by  Friday  morning  take  possession  of 
the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad;  capture  such  of  the  enemy  as  may  be  at  Mar- 
tinsburg  and  intercept  such  as  may  attempt  to  escape  from  Harper's  Ferry. 

IV.  General  Longstreet's  command  will  pursue  the  main  road  as  far  as  Boons- 
boro',  where  it  will  halt  with  reserve,  supply  and  baggage  trains  of  the  army. 

V.  General  McLaws  with  his  own  division  and  that  of  General  R.  H.  Ander 
son,  will  follow  General  Longstreet ;  on  reaching  Middleton  will  take  the  route 
to  Flarper's  Ferry,   and  by   Friday  morning  possess  himself  of  the  Maryland 
Heights,  and  endeavor  to  capture  the  enemy  at  Harper's  Ferry  and  vicinity. 

VI.  General  Walker,  wyith  his  division,  after  accomplishing  the  object  in  which 
he  is  now  engaged,  will  cross  the  Potomac  at  Check's  Ford,  ascend  its  right  bank 
to  Lovettsville,  take  possession  of  Loudon  Heights  if  practicable,  by  Friday  morn 
ing,  keep  the  ford  on  his  left,  and  the  road  between  the  end  of  the  mountain  and 
the  Potomac  on  his  right.     He  will,  as  far  as  practicable,  co-operate  with  General 
McLaws  and  General  Jackson  in  intercepting  the  retreat  of  the  enemy. 

VII.  General  D.  H.  Hill's  division  will  form  the  rear  guard  of  the  army,  pur 
suing  the  road  taken  by  the  main  body.     The  reserve  artillery,  ordnance  and  sup 
ply  trains,  will  precede  General  Hill. 

VIII.  General  Stuart  will  detach  a  squadron  of  cavalry  to  accompany  the  com 
mands  of  Generals  Longstreet,  Jackson  and  McLaws,  and  with  the  main  body  of 
the  cavalry,  will  cover  the  route  of  the  army  and  bring  up  all  stragglers  that  may 
have  been  left  behind. 

IX.  The  commands  of  Generals  Jackson,   McLaws  and  Walker,  after  accom 
plishing  the  objects  for  which  they  have  been  detached,  will  join  the  main  body 
of  the  army  at  Boonsboro'  or  Hagerstown. 


24        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

X.   Each  regiment  on  the  march  will  habitually  carry  its  axes  in  its  regimental 
ordnance  wagons,  for  use  of  the  men  at  their  encampments,  to  procure  wood,  £c. 

By  command  of  General  R.  E.  LEE. 
R.  H.  CHILTON,  A.  A.  General. 

For  Major-General  D.  H.  HILL,  commanding  division. 

The  route  of   General  Jackson  was  well  denned.     The  fol 
lowing  map  will  place  it  before  the  eye : 


KEBEL  MOVEMENTS   ON    HARPER'S    FERRY  AND  ANTIETAM. 

A  A  Jackson's  march  from  Frederick  to  Harper's  Ferry.  C  C  McLaw's  and  An 
derson's  march  from  Frederick  to  Maryland  Heights.  D  D  Walker's  march  from 
the  Monocacy  to  London  Heights.  A  C  D  Enemy's  line  of  march  from  Harper's 
Ferry  to  Antietam.  B  B  Longstreet's  march  to  Antietam.  H  H  Franklin's  march 
from  Pleasant  Valley  to  Antietam. 

Now  is  McClellan's  opportunity.  He  can  by  quick  move 
ment  make  the  fifteen  miles  to  South  Mountain,  and  pass 
through  Crampton's  Gap  and  gain  Maryland  Heights.  He 
can  strike  the  rebel  army  in  detail  and  gain  a  masterly  victory. 


HARPER'S  FERRY.  25 

But   the  golden  opportunity  is  neglected  by  sluggish  hand, 
and  Harper's  Ferry  is  virtually  left  to  its  fate. 

We  return  to  our  regiment.  On  the  evening  of  the 
i  ith  the  orders  were  obeyed  for  the  men  to  "sleep  on  their 
arms."  About  3  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  Friday,  Septem 
ber  1 2th,  the  men  took  up  the  line  of  march  for  Harper's 
Ferry,  to  which  place  we  were  directed,  for  the  enemy  was 
approaching  in  overwhelming  numbers. 

That  place  has  not  a  little  of  exciting  association.  Its 
natural  scenery  is  that  of  rugged  magnificence.  Jefferson 
had  commemorated  it  in  his  "  Notes  on  Virginia,"  written 
while  he  was  overlooking  from  commanding  rock  the  scene 
where  the  Potomac  and  the  Shenandoah  unite  between  the 
heights  of  Loudon  and  Maryland,  with  Bolivar  Heights  in 
rear,  and  to  west  of  the  Loudon.  Of  the  entire  scenery  Jef 
ferson  declared  that  "a  sight  of  it  was  worth  a  voyage  across 
the  Atlantic." 

It  was  at  this  place  that  the  vanguard  of  freedom  crossed 
the  Potomac,  for  it  was  here  that  the  brave  John  Brown,  with 
his  little  band,  attempted  the  impossible  task  of  seeking  to 
liberate  the  slave  by  an  armed  uprising  under  his  standard. 
He  was  in  advance  of  the  times.  He  essayed  to  do  what  in 
few  years  Providence  did  accomplish,  and  through  force  of 
arms.  As,  on  way  from  Baltimore  to  Martinsburg,  the  regi 
ment  passed  through  Harper's  Ferry,  a  theme  of  thought 
were  the  scenes  enacted  in  the  old  engine  house,  then  and 
still  standing,  and  which  now  is  marked  by  large  sign  as  John 
Brown's  Fort.  How  utter  was  his  failure  ;  how  his  men  were 
massacred  one  by  one  in  cold  blood ;  how  he  was  led  to  the 
gallows  ;  how  this  little  local  expedition  of  a  man  incited  by 
frenzied  love  of  freedom,  attracted  the  eyes  of  the  North  and 
South  and  became  an  index  of  feeling  in  both  sections — 
these  things  are  matters  of  history.  The  writer  was  one  of 
the  few  who  went  to  the  Union  Depot  in  Troy,  N.  Y.,  when 
the  encoffined  body  of  the  dead  hero  was  there  en  route  for 
its  burial ;  and  there  saw  the  pale,  brave-faced  widow,  who 


26        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

was  leaning  on  the  arm  of  one  of  America's  foremost  orators, 
Wendell  Phillips. 

It  is  a  point  of  not  a  little  interest,  that  the  United  States 
officer  who  directed  the  assault  of  the  force  on  the  engine 
house,  that  resulted  in  the  capture  of  John  Brown,  was 
Robert  E.  Lee,  then  a  colonel  in  the  United  States  army. 
That  was  in  October,  1859. 


HARPER'S  FERRY  FROM  THE  NORTH. 

Early  in  the  history  of  the  Government,  during  the  admin 
istration  of  George  Washington — in  1794 — Harper's  Ferry 
was  selected  as  the  site  of  a  National  armory.  Immediately 
after  Virginia  passed  an  ordinance  of  secession,  and  as  a  force 
of  Virginia  militia  was  marching  towards  Harper's  Ferry, 
Lieutenant  Roger  Jones,  in  command  at  the  armory,  fired 
and  partially  destroyed  the  Government  buildings,  the  ar 
senal  being  totally  consumed,  with  about  fifteen  thousand 
stand  of  arms.  The  place  was  an  early  rendezvous  of  the 
Confederate  forces,  "  Stonewall  "  Jackson,  who  had  been  for 


HARl'IiK  S   KERRY.  2/ 

years  a  professor  of  the  Virginia  Military  Institute  at  Lexing 
ton,  being  at  one  time  in  command.  Under  the  direction  of 
his  successor,  General  J.  E.  Johnston,  the  railroad  bridge 
across  the  Potomac  was  burned.  Nine  times  in  the  progress 
of  the  war  was  the  bridge  rebuilt  and  destroyed. 

The  march  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regi 
ment  to  Harper's  Ferry — distant  twenty-two  miles — was  to 
men  making  their  first  march,  trying.  It  was  rendered  harder 
by  the  fact  that  the  men  labored  under  the  impression,  usual 
to  recruits,  that  they  must  carry  as  much  luggage  as  they 


HARPER'S  EERRY. 

could  well  load  on  their  persons,  pockets  as  well  as  cartridge- 
boxes  being  filled  with  cartridges.  But,  before  our  destina. 
tion  was  reached,  not  a  little  of  the  burden  had  been  thrown 
aside. 

We  accompanied  in  the  march  the  Sixty-fifth  Illinois 
Infantry,  the  Twelfth  Illinois  Cavalry  and  an  Illinois  battery. 
When  about  four  miles  from  Harper's  Ferry,  the  regiment 
was  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle  to  meet  an  expected  encounter 
with  the  enemy.  But  the  forces  seen  approaching  proved  to 


28        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

be  Union  troops,  consisting  of  the  Eighth  New  York  Cavalry, 
which  came  from  Bolivar  Heights  to  meet  us. 

The  rebel  forces  under  the  immediate  command  of  General 
Jackson  were  following  close  after  us. 

About  seven  o'clock  Friday  evening,  September  I2th,  we 
were  led  on  the  field  of  Harper's  Ferry.  Our  regiment  was 
placed  in  an  open  field.  In  front  and  east  of  us  were  Loudon 
Heights,  with  the  Shenandoah  River  between  us  and  the 
Heights  beyond.  To  the  left  and  north  of  us  was  Camp  Hill, 
below  which  and  to  the  left  was  the  village  of  Harper's 
Ferry.  Beyond  towered  Maryland  Heights,  between  which 
and  Loudon  Heights  the  Shenandoah  and  Potomac  meet  and 
move  eastward.  Just  behind  us  were  Bolivar  Heights.  The 
last  named,  with  Camp  Hill,  the  village  and  Maryland  Heights 
were  in  our  possession.  Maryland  Heights  formed  the  key 
of  the  position.  Here  were  stationed  the  Thirty-second  Reg 
iment  Ohio  Volunteers  and  two  companies  of  the  Thirty- 
ninth  New  York,  with  a  few  Maryland  troops  who  had  fallen 
back  to  this  position  from  the  advancing  enemy.  On  the 
morning  of  the  I2th,  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-sixth 
New  York  Volunteers  was  added  to  the  force.  This  regi 
ment  with  the  Thirty-ninth  afterwards  were  parts  of  the  brig 
ade  with  which  the  One  Hundred-and  Twenty-fifth  was 
connected. 

Colonel  Dixon  H.  Miles  was  in  command  of  all  the  Union 
forces  at  Harper's  Ferry,  General  White,  who  led  the  troops 
from  Martinsburg,  waiving  his  seniority  in  favor  of  Colonel 
Miles.  This  officer  had  been  ordered  on  the  I5th  of  August 
by  General  Wool,  then  in  command  of  the  Department  inclu 
ding  Harper's  Ferry,  to  fortify  Maryland  Heights.  This  he 
had  refused  or  neglected  to  do.  He  knew  the  importance  of 
the  position,  for  he  had  served  here  in  the  May  previous.  On 
the  evening  of  the  I2th  he  visited  the  Heights  and  consulted 
with  Colonel  Thomas  H.  tord'  who  was  directing  at  this 
point.  When  he  retired  he  left  word  with  Colonel  Ford,  that 
if  he  found  that  he  must  withdraw  he  should  first  spike  the 
guns.  But  no  adequate  effort  was  made  to  put  the  position 


HARPER'S  FERRY.  29 

in  readiness  for  an  assault.  And  when  on  the  morning  of 
the  1 3th  the  rebels  under  McLaws  advanced  up  the  Heights 
from  the  east,  a  feeble,  broken  resistance  was  followed  by 
the  spiking  of  the  guns ;  and  rolling  these  down  the  hill,  the 
Union  forces  were  withdrawn  to  Harper's  Ferry,  leaving- 
Maryland  Heights  to  the  rebels,  and  with  it  the  mastery  of 
the  situation.  The  guns  which  all  the  morning  had  been 
flinging  shells  down  the  Potomac  at  the  rebels  crossing  the 
river  in  that  direction,  and  shelling  the  woods  to  the  north 
and  south,  now  became  silent.  In  the  afternoon  of  the  I3th 
we  saw  waving  from  a  tree  on  the  top  of  Loudon  Heights  a 
rebel  signal.  A  shell  from  our  guns  was  hurled  immediately 
above  it  and  the  flag  quickly  descended.  But  it  had  sig 
nalled  to  General  Jackson  west  of  Bolivar  Heights  that  the 
investment  of  the  Union  forces  was  complete. 

There  remained  now  only  one  hope  for  our  beleaguered 
troops,  and  that  was  in  relief  from  the  Army  of  the  Potomac, 
only  a  few  miles  away.  But  the  relief  came  not.  General 
D.  H.  Hill  exultingly  attributes  the  failure  to  the  "lost  order," 
which  ought  to  have  insured  success.  But  he  overlooks  that 
while  General  McClellan  had  been  led  to  suppose  that  Long- 
street,  with  ten  thousand  men,  stood  between  him  and  Maty- 
land  Heights,  yet  sending,  as  McClellan  did,  30,000  men  to 
wards  the  endangered  point,  only  success  should  have  been 
contemplated.  But  the  forces  moved  with  snail-like  pace. 
No !  McClellan  was  not  equal  to  the  demand.  He  missed 
at  once  the  opportunity  to  relieve  the  invested  forces  and  to 
crush  Lee's  army  in  detail.  He  failed  through  an  over-cau 
tion.  He  failed  through  that  want  of  moral  courage  which 
consists  of  a  greater  confidence  in  your  own  men  than  fear 
of  your  enemy.  McClellan's  brilliant  imagination  played  him 
false  on  the  I3th  of  September,  as  it  did  in  the  four  days 
which  followed — days  which  ended  in  a  partial  victory  at  An- 
tietam,  but  which  might  have  been  crowned  with  a  magnifi 
cent  success. 

Late  in  the  afternoon  of  the  I3th  the  regiment  was  ordered 
into  line  and  was  led  southward  from  Bolivar  Heights  and 


30        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  V.  S.  VQLS. 

was  placed  in  support  of  the  Sixth  Illinois  Battery.  The 
men  lay  here  all  night  without  blankets  or  overcoats.  Picket 
firing  was  kept  up  through  the  night.  In  the  morning  the 
rebels  were  seen  advancing.  Colonel  Willard  passed  along 
the  line  asking  the  men,  "  Are  you  ready  to  fight  them?"  The 
response  was  one — "Come  on!"  The  enemy  did  not  come 
within  firing  distance,  and  we  were  soon  relieved  by  the  Third 
Maryland,  and  marched  back  to  camp  Sunday  morning. 

It  was  a  beautiful  Sunday.  But  here  we  were — completely 
surrounded  by  one  half  of  the  rebel  army  :  and  the  men  were 
for  the  most  part  unconscious  of  the  condition  of  things  or 
of  their  danger.  And  away  beyond  Maryland  Heights  were 
sounding  the  guns  of  South  Mountain,  where  the  Union  forces 
were  victorious.  There  was  no  Sunday  in  the  army — none 
if  duty  was  to  be  done  or  danger  to  be  met.  The  war  laid 
its  demoralizing  hand  upon  a  day  of  religious  rest.  On  this 
particular  Sunday  effort  was  made  for  divine  worship.  On 
the  open  plain  Chaplain  Barlow  was  conducting  a  service 
when  the  rebel  batteries  on  Loudon  Heights  sent  their  first 
shell  at  us.  It  came  plunging  and  tumbling  down  in  front  of 
the  Colonel's  tent.  Fortunately  it  did  not  explode  or  the 
hand  writing  these  lines  might  have  lost  its  "  cunning." 

Then  was  there  a  scampering  of  teams  parked  near  us. 
By  order  of  Colonel  Willard  the  regiment  fell  back  in  hasty 
form  to  a  ravine  in  the  rear  of  our  camp  and  near  Bolivar 
Heights.  Some  of  Jackson's  forces  advanced  against  this 
point  but  were  driven  back  by  the  Third  Maryland.  Our 
men  were  placed  in  support  of  a  battery  until  after  dark,  when 
they  were  sent  south  of  the  battery  on  Bolivar  Heights.  It 
was  a  very  cold  night  and  our  men  suffered  severely,  as  they 
were  destitute  of  the  overcoats  thrown  away  on  the  forced 
march  from  Martinsburg. 

That  Sunday  night  the  cavalry  with  us,  under  Colonels 
Arno  Voss  and  Davis,  cut  their  way  through  the  enveloping 
line  and  reached  Greencastle,  Pennsylvania,  capturing  on  the 
way  a  large  rebel  train  of  over  fifty  wagons.  That  night 
the  entire  beleaguered  force  might  have  escaped  the  net 


HARPER'S  FERRY.  31 

entangling  them.  If  cavalry  could  make  their  way  out,  surely 
infantry  could  have  done  likewise  ;  abandoning  if  needs  were, 
the  guns. 

The  next  morning  our  regiment  was  back  in  the  old  camp, 
and  when  the  enemy  opened  anew  upon  us,  the  regiment 
was  divided.  Colonel  Willard  took  command  of  the  five 
right  companies  and  placed  them  across  the  open  field  on  the 
left  of  a  battery  to  support  this,  and  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Crandell  was  sent  with  the  five  remaining  companies  to  the 
left,  in  a  narrow  grove,  the  left  of  his  line  resting  near  a 
stream  which  empties  into  the  Shenandoah.  The  men  were 
exposed  to  a  heavy  artillery  fire  but  were  well  covered.  At 
no  time  was  our  regiment  within  easy  firing  distance  of  the 
rebels. 

Early  Monday  morning  the  firing  was  resumed  on  the  part 
of  the  rebels.  The  field  was  completely  swept  by  the  guns 
from  Loudon  and  Maryland  Heights,  and  the  prolongation 
of  Bolivar  Heights  where  were  massed  Jackson's  men  ready 
for  an  assault.  Yet  it  was  possible  to  have  constructed 
earthworks  at  Camp  Hill  and  at  Bolivar  Heights  that  would 
have  served  as  a  partial  defence,  and  that  might  have  enabled 
our  forces  to  maintain  the  ground  another  day.  The  day 
would  doubtless  have  been  marked  by  an  assault  from  the 
rebel  infantry,  but  the  natural  defences  on  all  sides  would 
have  been  in  our  favor.  At  the  point  \vhere  Jackson  had 
prepared  to  charge,  such  was  the  lay  of  the  ground,  that 
after  the  surrender  it  required  a  half-hour  for  the  rebels  to 
reach  Bolivar  Heights.  Evidently  there  was  no  disposition 
on  the  part  of  the  commanding  officer  to  make  effectual 
resistance.  The  appearances  indicated  a  purpose  on  his  part 
to  yield  the  place.  On  the  I3th — the  day  that  Maryland 
Heights  were  abandoned,  and  our  position  was  completely 
invested — he  paroled  sixteen  rebel  prisoners,  authorizing 
them  to  pass  beyond  our  lines  into  the  lines  of  the  enemy ; 
and  ''another  rebel,  an  officer  named  Rouse,  who  had  been 
captured  and  escaped,  being  retaken,  was  allowed  a  private 
interview  with  Miles,  and  thereupon  paroled  to  go  without 


32        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS 

our  lines.  He,  still  under  parole,  appeared  in  arms  at  the 
head  of  his  men,  among  the  first  to  enter  our  lines  after  the 
surrender.'  That  man  had  filled  effectually  the  office  of  a 
spy,  and  Colonel  Miles  was  apparently  in  collusion  with  him. 

About  8.30  o'clock  Monday  morning,  the  I5th  of  Septem 
ber,  the  white  flag  of  surrender  was  displayed  by  Colonel 
Miles'  order.  Just  before  this,  by  advice  of  General  Julius 
White,  the  brigade  commanders  had  been  called  for  counsel, 
and  advised  surrender ;  but  they  did  so  reluctantly,  giving  as 
their  first  and  foremost  reason  that  "  the  officer  commanding 
has  lost  all  confidence  in  his  ability  further  to  defend  the 
place  and  was  the  first  to  advise  surrender."  The  rebel  fire 
continuing  after  the  display  of  the  white  flag,  Colonel  Miles 
took  another  and  while  waving  this  was  cut  down  by  a  shot 
from  the  enemy,  and  died  the  next  day.  But  the  surrender 
was  soon  a  fact,  General  Julius  White  being  appointed  to 
arrange  the  terms. 

Was  Colonel  Miles  incompetent? — Was  he  drunk? — Was 
he  a  traitor?  These  questions  have  divided  judgment.  That 
he  erred  in  judgment  at  more  than  one  place  is  beyond 
doubt.  But  he  did  on  the  I3th  send  Major  Russel  of  the 
First  Maryland  Cavalry  to  General  McClellan  telling  him 
that  he  could  not  hold  the  place  more  than  forty-eight  hours. 
This  gave  that  general  double  reason  for  haste.  But  neither 
"lost  order"  of  General  Lee  that  came  into  his  hands,  nor 
word  from  Colonel  Miles  moved  him  from  his  usual  slowness. 

The  surrender  caused  deep  and  widespread  indignation 
among  officers  and  enlisted  men.  But  there  was  no  help 
for  it.  Colonel  Willard  was  approached  by  officers  of  the 
regiment  who  offered  under  his  lead  to  cut  their  way  out. 
But  he,  as  a  subordinate  commander,  declared  that  as  true 
soldiers  we  were  bound  by  the  acts  of  our  superior  officers. 
Yet  he  shed  tears  of  regret  and  indignation.  Thus,  also,  did 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Crandell,  who,  hanging  his  head,  said  to 
the  writer :  "  Rather  than  have  had  this  happen,  I  would  gladly 
have  left  my  bones  on  this  field."  Oh,  the  shame  of  it !  Oh, 
the  blame  of  it ! 


HARPER'S  FERRY.  33 

The  men  were  ordered  into  line  to  stack  arms.  Before  do 
ing  so  the  regimental  flag  was  torn  into  shreds  and  concealed 
by  the  men.  Some  guns  were  made  unfit  for  farther  use. 

As  the  line  was  formed,  General  "  Stonewall "  Jackson  rode 
by,  an  object  of  great  curiosity  to  the  Union  troops,  who  had 
for  him  a  higher  respect  than  for  any  other  rebel  general. 

Two  of  our  men  had  been  killed — one  down  by  the  rail 
road,  and  the  other  while  the  regiment  with  arms  at  right- 
shoulder-shift  was  moving  on  the  double-quick  to  the  place 
of  formal  surrender.  The  names  of  the  men  are  Edward  De 
Forest,  Company  F,  the  first  man  of  the  regiment  killed ; 
and  Wm.  Seers  of  Company  A,  the  second  on  our  list  of 
killed.  As  soon  as  it  was  known  that  the  white  flag  had  been 
run  up,  one  officer  of  the  regiment,  Captain  Ephraim  Wood, 
Company  H,  determined  not  to  fall  into  rebel  hands,  called 
upon  his  company  to  follow  him.  His  action  was  at  first 
mistaken.  But  the  writer  has  most  positive  evidence  from 
Brevet-Major  Lee  Churchill,  who  was  near  Captain  Wood  at 
the  time,  that  it  was  not  until  the  white  flag  was  raised  that 
he  attempted  to  leave  the  field.  Some  one  had  shouted : 
"  They  have  raised  the  white  flag  !"  Captain  Wood  asked  : 
"What  is  that  you  say?  Upon  being  reassured  that  we  were 
being  surrendered,  he  called  upon  his  company  to  follow 
him.  Only  two  responded — Daniel  W.  and  John  W.  De- 
freest.  The  Captain  and  these  men  did  make  their  escape, 
at  times  concealed  in  bushes  in  speaking  distance  of  the 
rebels.  They  made  their  way  to  Baltimore,  where,  shortly 
afterwards,  they  rejoined  the  regiment,  Captain  Wood  being 
promptly  placed  by  Colonel  Willard  in  command  of  his  com 
pany.  The  act  of  leaving  as  he  did  was  a  brave  deed  on 
Captain  Wood's  part.  It  manifested  a  degree  of  valor  which 
in  its  subsequent  display  cost  him  his  life.  About  thirty 
more  of  the  regiment  escaped  surrender.  Lieutenant  W.  H. 
Hakes,  with  thirty  men,  had  been  assigned  special  duty  at 
Martinsburg.  In  the  performance  of  his  duty  he  was  separa 
ted  from  the  regiment.  He  gained  the  Union  lines  and  sub 
sequently  reported  at  Chicago. 


34  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  V.  VOLS. 

To  show  that  the  spirit  of  the  men  up  to  the  time  of  the 
surrender  was  undaunted,  I  will  give  an  extract  from  a  letter 
that  has  come  into  my  hands,  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Cran- 
dell.  Describing  the  battle  he  says:  "The  rebels  opened  fire 
on  the  camp  with  two  batteries  of  artillery  throwing  shell. 
The  first  shell  fired  was  aimed  at  the  Colonel's  tent.  I  was 
packing  my  saddle-bags  near  by  the  tent.  The  shell  passed 
about  four  feet  over  my  head  and  struck  about  six  feet  in 
front  of  the  Colonel's  tent.  We  got  out  of  camp  as  soon  as 
possible,  and  got  into  a  ravine  near  by.  We  had  not  been 
there  to  exceed  fifteen  minutes  before  we  were  attacked  on 
the  west  by  artillery  and  infantry.  We  had  a  hard  brush  for 
about  three  hours.  The  shells  whistled  and  musketry  cracked 
right  smartly  all  the  time.  The  darkness  put  an  end  to  the 
fight.  A  little  after  daylight  on  Monday  the  rebels  opened 
fire  on  us  again,  and  kept  it  up  for  an  hour  and  a  half  or  two 
hours.  Colonel  \Villard  says  it  was  the  sharpest  artillery 
fight  that  he  ever  witnessed.  The  infantry  did  not  come 
near  enough  to  be  reached  by  us  with  small  arms  on  Mon 
day.  The  balls  whistled  above  our  heads  wonderfully  for 
about  three  quarters  of  an  hour  of  the  time.  The  battle 
field  is  not  half  as  terrible  as  I  expected.  Two  men  only,  of 
our  regiment,  were  killed  during  the  engagement.  Our  regi 
ment  was  the  last  to  leave  the  field.  I  am  proud  to  say 
that  every  company  staid  right  on  the  spot  where  they  were 
placed.  \Ve  were  all  taken  prisoners  by  the  cowardly  sur 
render  by  Colonel  Miles,  who  was  in  command  of  the  post. 
There  is  no  doubt  but  that  we  might  have  held  the  post  two 
days  longer.  We  were  all  surprised  when  the  white  flag  was 
displayed." 

The  language  of  Colonel  Crandell  is  a  true  expression  of 
the  general  feeling  among  the  men.  But  we  are  compelled 
to  add  that  when  ranks  were  broken  after  the  surrender,  and 
while  the  papers  were  preparing,  a  spirit  of  demoralization 
was  quickly  excited.  Rebel  emissaries  mingled  freely  with 
our  men.  A  groundless  rumor  was  started  that  we  were  to 
be  sent  west  to  fight  the  Indians.  The  rebels  told  our  men 


HARPER  S    FERRY.  35 

that  the  Government  had  no  right  to  hold  us  together  while 
under  parole.  False  impressions  were  made  as  to  the  terms 
of  the  parole.  The  seed  of  discontent  was  sown  that  ripened 
in  the  troubles  to  be  described  in  the  next  chapter. 

The  rebels  made  an  exchange  of  one  sort  with  us  on  the 
spot.  They  exchanged  rations,  taking  our  good  fare  and 
leaving  with  us  some  bacon  and  hard-tack  that  had  not  im 
proved  with  age.  The  writer  does  not  vouch  for  the  story, 
but  it  was  said,  that  as  details  from  the  companies  were  going 
for  the  rations,  they  met  these  walking  towards  them.  He 
can,  however,  as  an  eye-witness  declare  that  the  bacon  was 
truly  alive,  and,  to  add  to  the  other  signs  of  life,  when  the 
large  box  was  fully  opened  a  big  rat  jumped  out  and  scam 
pered  away.  He  can  also  say  that  he  was  witness  to  the 
spoliation  by  the  rebel  cavalry  of  the  officers'  baggage  which 
was,  according  to  the  terms  of  the  surrender,  to  remain  un 
touched.  Happily  the  head-quarter  wagon  of  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Twenty-fifth  was  exempted.  The  writer  had  the 
privilege  of  saying  to  those  who  were  ready  to  appropriate 
its  contents,  "  Hands  off!" 

He  may  mention  a  little  incident  which  occurred  in  the 
place  where  the  wagons  were  parked.  Being  ordered,  during 
the  firing  on  Sunday  afternoon  to  take  a  horse  and  find  the 
baggage  and  aid  in  guarding  this,  he  made  his  way  to  the 
wagon-park  near  the  Shenandoah.  Here  came  "  Stonewall  " 
Jackson  with  his  staff,  after  the  surrender.  While  the  Gen 
eral,  clothed  in  dingy  gray,  was  looking  through  a  field-glass 
up  at  Maryland  Heights,  a  pompous  Union  quartermaster 
in  new  and  full  rig — sword  and  all — came  galloping  to  the 
spot,  and,  approaching  the  General,  began  to  make  a  com 
plaint.  Jackson  said  shortly:  "  I  leave  all  such  matters  to 
my  Quartermaster-general ;  you  will  have  to  see  him,  and, 
lifting  his  hat,  concluded  the  interview,  returning  to  his  ob 
servation  of  Maryland  Heights,  which  he  knew  were  imper 
illed  by  events  just  beyond,  in  Pleasant  Valley. 

Our  loss  at  Harper's  Ferry  was  11,583  officers  and  men 
surrendered,  80  killed,  120  wounded;  the  rebels  losing  500 


36  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  YOLS. 

in  killed  and  wounded.  But,  our  disaster  was  greater  than 
in  actual  numbers.  It  consisted  of  the  lasting  shame  of  the 
surrender,  and  the  demoralization  of  our  men.  Colonel 
Thomas  Ford,  who  deserted  Maryland  Heights,  was  cash 
iered.  As  severe  it  not  greater  punishment  would  have  been 
visited  upon  Colonel  Miles,  had  not  Providence  cut  short  his 
career.  The  Commission  which  subsequently  examined  this 
disgraceful  episode  of  the  war  reached  this  just  conclusion : 
"  Had  the  garrison  been  slower  to  surrender,  or  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac  swifter  to  march,  the  enemy  would  have  been 
forced  to  raise  the  siege,  or  would  have  been  taken  in  detail 
with  the  Potomac  dividing  his  force." 

By  the  morning  of  the  i6th  everything  was  in  shape  for 
our  departure.  As  we  marched  out  of  Harper's  Ferry  to  the 
Maryland  side  of  the  Potomac,  Hill's  men  were  marching  in ; 
and  the  guns  of  Antietam  were  loading  by  men  who  were 
soon  to  encamp  on  Maryland  and  Bolivar  Heights  in  a  long 
rest,  for  here  came  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  after  that  battle. 
We  need  not  describe  that  bloody  engagement,  begun  two- 
days  too  late,  and  fought  by  the  Union  troops  in  detail,  and 
won  at  a  sacrifice  of  2,010  Union  men  killed,  9,416  wounded, 
and  1,043  missing;  while  the  rebels  lost  in  killed  3,500,  in 
wounded  16,299,  an<^  m  missing  6,000.  Well  might  General 
Lee  withdraw ;  and  well  might  one  soon  be  removed  from 
command  who  renewed  his  old  tactics  of  inactivity  until  the 
shattered  nerves  of  his  soldiers  should  recover  from  the  shock 
of  battle,  and  every  man  in  the  ranks  have  his  shoes  mended 
and  his  clothes  repaired. 

The  Maryland  campaign  had  cost  Lee  dearly,  for  added  to 
his  frightful  losses  at  Antietam  were  the  casualties  at  Turner's 
and  Crampton's  Gap,  South  Mountain,  where  to  443  Union 
killed,  1, 806  wounded  and  76  missing,  were  500  rebel  killed, 
2,343  wounded  and  1,500  missing. 

Our  faces  were  turned  towards  Annapolis,  Md.  We  passed 
on  the  1 6th  some  of  Franklin's  men,  and  while  Antietam  was, 
fighting  we  were  moving  in  rapid  march  of  twenty  miles  a 
day  away  from  the  enemy. 


HARPER  S    FERRY.  37 

It  will  be  remembered  that  when  the  first  shot  was  fired  at 
the  regiment  Sunday  afternoon  of  the  I4th,  religious  services 
were  in  progress.  It  was  no  indication  of  an  irreligious  spirit 
when,  on  the  way  to  Annapolis,  a  wag  in  the  regiment  (the 
regiment  was  blessed  with  some  such  characters,  who  enliv 
ened  many  a  rough  spot  with  their  wit)  accosted  the  worthy 
Chaplain  (Barlow)  with  the  words:  "  Hello,  Chaplain  !  I  have 
been  waiting  ever  since  Sunday  to  hear  you  say  Amen  to 
that  prayer  you  were  making."  The  Chaplain  was  ready  to 
pardon  the  allusion ;  and,  with  keen  sense  of  the  ludicrous,  to 
enjoy  the  reference  to  the  quick  conclusion  of  that  service. 

Our  road  to  Annapolis  was  sandy.  The  days  were  hot  and 
the  nights  damp  and  cold.  Yet  from  early  daylight  until 
dark  we  marched  as  to  the  relief  of  a  beleaguered  city,  making 
the  distance  of  one  hundred  miles  in  five  days,  and  reaching 
our  destination  Sunday  afternoon,  September  22d. 

We  remained  at  Annapolis  only  two  days.  Here  the  men 
gained  needed  rest ;  had  opportunity  to  bathe,  and  to  try  the 
quality  of  Maryland  oysters.  Here  came  the  word  of  the 
Proclamation  of  Emancipation,  which  thrilled  the  minds  of 
the  thoughtful  with  new  hope  and  to  intenser  purpose  ;  •  for 
while  the  war  was  begun  with  the  one  object  to  preserve  the 
Union,  many  shared  in  the  firm  belief  that  in  some  way- 
through  the  blows  of  the  war,  or  by  its  consequences — Prov 
idence  would  break  the  chains  of  the  bondman.  This  result 
has  been  accomplished,  and  is  accepted  by  the  South.  It 
remains  for  the  South  to  renounce  thoroughly  its  heresy  of 
State  Sovereignty,  else  "history"  may  "  repeat  itself" — that 
a  second  war  is  oft  needed  to  settle  the  first,  and  the  great 
question  fought  over  twenty-five  years  ago  be  the  occasion 
of  a  renewed  and  more  bloody  strife,  if  not  in  our  time,  then 
in  the  days  of  our  children  and  children's  children. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

CHICAGO   AND    CAMP   DOUGLAS. 

A  TRUE  history  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth 
-^"*-  Regiment  must  present  a  chapter  which  its  friends 
would  gladly  leave  out  of  the  book.  But  it  is  due  in  justi 
fication  of  the  regiment,  and  in  explanation  of  a  fact  which 
cannot  escape  the  eye  of  a  careful  reader.  At  Chicago  the 
regiment  lost  by  desertion  about  two  hundred  men.  These 
men  are  marked  on  the  Government  records  as  deserters. 
Yet  they  cannot  justly  be  so  numbered,  in  the  usual  sense  of 
desertion.  They  did  not  leave  in  the  presence  of  the  enemy ; 
but  many  of  them  acted  from  the  honest  conviction  that  the 
Government  had  no  right,  under  the  terms  of  the  Harper's 
Ferry  parole,  to  keep  them  together,  or  to  exact  from  them 
any  military  service  until  duly  exchanged.  When  the  regi 
ment  was  exchanged  some  of  the  men  returned  to  duty,  and 
some  enlisted  in  other  regiments.  The  writer  met  on  the 
march  in  the  last  campaign  of  the  war,  one  of  those  account 
ed  a  deserter  at  Chicago,  but  who  had  been  serving  in 
another  regiment  all  through  the  war. 

I  think  it  well  to  let  another  tell  the  story  of  Chicago  and 
"  Camp  Douglas."  At  the  time  of  our  encampment  at  Chi 
cago,  the  correspondent  of  the  Troy  (N.  Y.)  Times  was  Axiel 
H.  Ellis,  who  previous  to  his  enlistment  had  been  employed 
in  the  office  of  that  paper.  He  was  an  estimable  man,  and 
a  clear  and  forcible  writer.  A  mournful  interest  is  added  to 
the  reading  of  extracts  from  his  letters  by  the  fact  that  he 
was  at  Chicago  prostrated  by  disease ;  and  four  days  after 
the  regiment  left  that  place  for  the  seat  of  war,  he  passed 
from  earth,  truly  regretted  by  his  company  and  by  the  entire 
regiment. 


CAMP  DOUGLAS. 


39 


I  shall  give  only  those  portions  of  his  letters  that  describe 
the  morale  of  the  regiment  and  its  general  condition  and 
health.  Many  little  details  will  now  have  lost  their  interest. 
Writing  under  date  of  September  3Oth,  1862,  Mr.  Ellis  said: 

I  do  not  think  a  more  appropriate  appellation  could  be  bestowed  upon  this  reg 
iment  than  that  of  the  "  Wanderers."  Since  our  departure  from  home,  we  have 
scarcely  had  a  "local  habitation,"  though  I  think  we  have  earned  a  "name." 
From  Martinsburg  we  made  a  forced  march  to  Bolivar  Heights,  and  then,  after 
the  battle  of  Harper's  Ferry,  and  our  capture  by  the  rebels,  we  made  a  march 
from  that  place  to  Annapolis,  Md. ;  thence  by  transport,  on  Friday,  the  26th  inst., 


CAMP  DOUGLAS. 

we  went  to  Baltimore,  and  from  Baltimore,  by  rail,  we  made  a  continuous  jour 
ney  day  and  night  until  we  reached  Chicago,  about  noon  on  Monday,  the  2gth 
inst.  The  cars  furnished  us  were  common  freight  cars,  with  no  arrangements 
for  sleeping,  and  with  forty  men  in  each  car.  We  consequently  suffered  much, 
and  were  much  exhausted  on  our  arrival  at  this  place.  It  was  a  difficult  matter 
to  obtain  any  rest  at  all,  such  was  the  terrible  jolting  and  "shaking  up"  we 
experienced  in  the  springless  and  uncomfortable  vehicles  furnished  for  our  trans 
portation.  Our  rations  consisted  of  hard  bread  and  partially  cooked  fat  pork, 
and  had  we  not  been  supplied  by  the  patriotic  people  on  the  route,  many  ©f  us 
would  have  suffered  from  hunger. 

At  Baltimore  we  took  the  Erie  and  Sunbury  railroad,  which  we  followed  until 
its  junction  with  the  Pennsylvania  railroad,  over  which  we  rode  to  Pittsburg. 
Here  we  changed  cars,  taking  the  Pittsburg,  Fort  Wayne  and  Chicago  railroad  to 
the  latter  place.  While  on  our  march  through  Maryland,  it  was  with  great  diffi- 


40        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

culty  that  the  men  could  obtain  anything  to  eat  from  the  inhabitants,  even  by 
offering  fabulous  prices.  We  were  therefore  surprised  as  well  as  immensely 
gratified  by  the  generous  manner  in  which  the  good  people  of  Altoona  received 
and  entertained  us  during  our  short  stay  at  this  place.  Spontaneously,  and  ap 
parently  without  organized  effort,  the  people  turned  out  with  baskets  filled  with 
nice  bread  and  biscuits,  spread  with  butter  and  preserves,  as  well  as  coffee, 
peaches  and  apples,  which  they  liberally  dispensed  among  the  boys.  Others 
invited  the  poor  hungry  soldiers  into  their  houses  and  seated  them  at  wTell- 
spread  tables.  As  you  may  well  imagine  this  timely  donation  was  properly  appre 
ciated  by  the  regiment. 

At  Pittsburg,  at  which  city  we  arrived  about  half -past  nine  Saturday  P.  M.,  we 
were  treated  to  a  good  supper  at  the  City  Hall.  All  soldiers  passing  through 
Pittsburg  are  thus  received.  After  we  left  Pittsburg,  we  saw  no  very  consider 
able  towns;  but  every  little  hamlet  seemed  rife  with  patriotism,  and  baskets  of 
food  greeted  us  on  all  hands;  even  at  midnight  noble  men  and  women  stood 
ready  to  greet  us  with  good  cheer.  We  could  not  help  contrasting  this  generous 
treatment  with  the  "cold  shoulder"  and  extortion  with  which,  save  in  a  few 
isolated  instances,  the  people  of  Maryland  received  us.  Monday  afternoon  we 
arrived  at  Chicago  and  were  encamped  in  the  vicinity  of  "  Camp  Douglas  "  and 
but  a  short  distance  from  the  grave  of  the  eminent  statesman,  on  the  shore  of 
Lake  Michigan.  The  men  were  very  much  in  need  of  soap  and  water,  not 
having  enjoyed  that  soldier's  luxury  since  we  started  on  our  journey.  We  were 
consequently  marched  down  to  the  lake  by  companies,  and  as  the  waves  were 
beating  in  heavily,  many  of  the  men  enjoyed  fine  sport  bathing  in  the  surf.  We 
were  supplied  with  "  shelter"  tents  for  our  temporary  comfort — if  comfort  it  can 
be  called.  This  afternoon  we  moved  into  the  tents  at  "  Camp  Childs,"  which 
the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Illinois  occupied  previous  to  their  departure 
to  Louisville,  Ky.,  which  took  place  to-day.  Our  quarters  are  very  comfortable. 

Captain  Wood,  whose  escape  from  Bolivar  Heights  during  the  progress  of  the 
bombardment  of  that  position  was  mentioned  in  a  former  letter,  met  us  at  Balti 
more,  much  to  our  surprise.  We  had  regarded  his  escape  from  the  rebels  as 
impossible.  He,*  however,  with  two  men,  the  Defreests,  succeeded  in  making 
his  way  to  McClellan's  lines,  and  consequently,  unlike  the  remainder  of  the  regi 
ment,  is  not  a  paroled  prisoner.  He  passed  over  the  battle-field  at  Sharpsburg, 
and  described  the  slaughter  as  terrible  beyond  imagination. 

It  may  not  be  inappropriate  to  say  a  few  words  in  regard  to  the  feeling  which 
at  present  very  generally  prevails  in  the  regiment.  It  cannot  be  denied  that 
much  dissatisfaction  is  prevalent  among  the  men,  from  the  fact  that  they  were 
not  taken  back  to  their  own  State  instead  of  to  Chicago.  They  do  not  desire  a 
discharge,  and  express  their  readiness  to  take  up  arms  and  fight  for  the  suppres 
sion  of  the  rebellion  with  the  same  alacrity,  cheerfulness  and  enthusiasm  that 
they  always  manifested  before  their  capture,  as  soon  as  they  are  honorably  ex 
changed.  But  they  think  that,  under  present  circumstances,  it  would  be  no  un 
reasonable  indulgence  to  grant  them  a  short  furlough,  to  say  the  least.  This 
granted,  they  declare  their  readiness  to  return  to  camp  and  remain,  if  desired, 


CHICAGO.  41 

From  time  to  time  did  Mr.  Ellis  write  the  story  of  our 
experiences  at  "  Camp  Childs."  Friends  from  home  made 
their  way  to  Chicago  to  visit  the  regiment.  Citizens  of 
Troy  in  various  ways  gave  expression  to  their  continued  in 
terest  in  the  welfare  of  the  men  who  only  a  short  time  before 
had  left  home  with  high  expectations  of  service,  but  who 
now  were  to  learn  that  it  is  harder  to  wait  than  to  serve,  to 
endure  than  to  do.  Yet  the  weeks  which  followed  the  arrival 
of  the  regiment  in  Chicago  gave  opportunity  to  gain  a 
knowledge  of  camp  duty  and  of  the  manual  of  arms.  With 
only  a  few  exceptions,  even  the  officers  were  wholly  inex 
perienced  in  all  military  affairs  ;  and  one  feature  of  the  life  in 
Camp  Childs,  and  later  at  Camp  Douglas,  was  the  "  officers' 
drill." 

Of  the  friends  of  the  regiment,  one  whose  name  was  grate 
fully  cherished  at  Chicago,  and  which  remains  to  this  day  a 
grateful  memory,  was  Roger  A.  Flood.  Troy  had  many 
patriotic  citizens,  who  were  ready  not  only  with  word  of 
cheer,  but  with  deeds  of  generosity ;  but  it  had  none  who 
surpassed  Mr.  Flood  in  practical  support  of  the  Union 
cause. 

Chicago,  at  the  time  of  the  regiment's  encampment  in 
its  vicinity,  was  a  large  city  ;  but  the  Chicago  of  that  day 
compares  but  poorly  with  the  Chicago  of  the  present.  The 
uneven  streets  were  then  a  feature  of  the  city,  broken  as  they 
were  by  long  flights  of  steps.  Recently  the  writer  slept  in 
an  elegant  home,  as  the  guest  of  Rev.  W.  W.  Everts,  D.D., 
who  in  1862  was  a  pastor  in  Chicago,  and  who  now,  with 
abiding  strength,  there  resides.  And  the  house  stands,  like 
many  more,  on  the  old  camp  ground  ;  for  the  city,  in  its 
large  growth,  has  swept  far  beyond  the  limits  once  marked 
by  Camp  Childs  and  Camp  Douglas. 

To  say  that  the  "  paroled  "  prisoners  found  means  of 
enjoyment  in  the  city  of  their  semi-captivity  is  to  revive 
many  pleasing  memories  in  survivors  of  the  One  Hundred 


42      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment.  It  was  not  an  easy  matter  to 
keep  a  thousand  men,  with  nothing  particular  to  do  but  to 
perform  half-planned  and  imperfectly  understood  duties, 
from  walking  beyond  the  limits  of  the  camp  and  strolling 
"down  street."  The  strolling  necessitated  measures  to  re 
cover  the  wanderers,  and  guards  were  dispatched  for  the 
duty.  One  instance  will  illustrate  this  manner  of  service.  A 
number  of  men  have  ordered  in  a  comfortable  eating-house 
an  oyster  supper.  The  supper  is  ready,  and  the  oysters 
have  just  been  placed  before  the  men,  who  in  the  few  weeks 
of  rough  experience  have  grown  hungry  for  a  good  warm 
supper.  Just  as  they  were  about  to  apply  themselves  to  the 
well-spread  tables,  in  marched  a  large  guard  under  command 
of  Captain  George  E.  Lemon.  The  men  plead  for  respite 
from  arrest  until  the  meal  should  be  disposed  of.  Finally,  on 
their  word  of  honor,  given  separately  and  unitedly,  that  if 
they  are  allowed  to  remain  until  the  guard  shall  return  from 
duty  still  farther  into  the  city,  they  will  be  in  readiness  to 
be  marched  back  to  camp,  they  are  permitted  to  proceed 
with  the  supper.  But  Captain  Lemon  was  not  fully  ready 
to  act  unquestioningly  on  a  hungry  soldier's  word ;  so, 
before  moving  off,  he  quietly  stationed  a  detail  around 
the  house,  and  with  the  rest  of  his  command  marched 
away.  An  hour  passes,  and  the  tramp  of  that  guard 
as  it  returned,  is  heard  on  the  wooden  pavement  near 
the  house  of  feasting.  The  sound  was  the  signal  for  a 
stampede  of  the  men  within  doors,  who  quickly  found  them 
selves  caught  in  the  network  of  the  special  guard.  Those 
men,  when  they  reached  camp,  did  not  have  the  laugh  on 
Captain  Lemon  The  smile  had  faded  at  the  sight  of  the 
sentinels. 

When  in  the  barracks  at  Camp  Douglas,  the  men  found 
means  of  amusement  and  diversion.  The  bunks  were  built 
one  above  another  three  stories  high.  It  was  a  serious  mis 
take  for  a  man  to  do  much  dreaming  in  the  top  bunk,  if  he 


SOLDIER'S  LIFE.  43 

was  at  all  given  to  illustrating  his  dreams.  One  of  the  men 
of  G.  Company  had  this  latter  habit.  He  had  in  his  wake 
ful  hours  been  given,  since  we  left  Virginia,  to  imitating  the 
peculiar  music  of  a  mule's  voice,  a  sound  with  which  we  be 
came  afterwards  quite  familiar.  The  man,  somewhat  accord 
ing  to  the  laws  of  dreaming,  did  one  evening  in  his  sleep 
what  he  had  been  attempting  while  awake.  While  some  of 
the  comrades  were  yet  busy  at  candlelight,  writing  letters 
home  and  the  like,  the  dreamer,  arising  in  topmost  bunk, 
began  to  give  forth  the  ever-to-be-remembered  notes  of  a 
mule's  song  ;  but  he  leaned  a  little  too  far  over  the  side  of 
the  bunk,  and  fell.  The  last  mulish  sound  was  quenched  on 
the  floor.  But,  he  awoke. 

Men  began  to  learn  to  take  care  of  themselves,  to  wash 
and  to  cook,  and  sew  for  themselves  at  Chicago.  The  writer 
heard  of  one  "  mess  "  that  rather  "  overdid  "  matters.  They 
had  a  camp  kettle.  In  this  they  first  cooked  their  coffee; 
cleaned  it  out,  and  cooked  beans  in  it ;  cleaned  it  again,  and 
then  washed  their  clothes  in  it.  To  wash  one's  clothes  was 
certainly  an  evidence  of  cleanliness. 

Many  an  evening  was  cheered  in  camp  by  the  voice  of 
song.  Among  so  many  men  it  had  been  remarkable  if  there 
were  not  some  good  singers.  And  the  songs  were  of  home 
and  of  country.  Often,  at  Chicago  and  onward,  did  the 
men  remind  one  another  in  song  that 

"  John  Brown's  body  lies  mouldering  in  the  ground, 
His  soul  is  marching  on," 

and 

"  Sour  apple  trees" 

were  not  numerous  enough  to  "hang  Jeff  Davis  to"  if  he 
had  been  hung  as  often  as  the  men  sang  the  word. 

"  The  star  spangled  banner  " 
was  not  forgotten  ;  and,  they 


44      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

"  Rallied  around  the  flag,  boys  ; 

Rallied  once  again, 
Shouting  the  battle  cry  of  Freedom  ! 
The  Union  forever  !" 

To  our  noble  President  they  sang, 

"We're  coming,  Father  Abraham,  600,000  more." 

— sometimes  they  sang  this  as  a  night  charge  was  made  on 
a  suttler's  tent.     The  rhythm  of 

"  Tramp,  tramp,  tramp,  the  boys  are  marching," 

stirred    the  air  with   music,  and   almost  made   the    ground 
quiver,  as  with  measured  tread. 

"  Do  they  miss  me  at  home,  do  they  miss  me  ?" 

sang  the  soldier,  as  he  thought  of  "  The  vacant  chair."  And, 
as  he  looked  forward  to  what  possibly  awaited  him,  he  took 

up  the  words : 

"  Just  before  the  battle,  mother, 
I  am  thinking,  dear,  of  you." 

"  When  Johnnie  comes  marching  home,  boys. 
Hurrah,  hurrah  !  " 

frequently  rang  out  in  the  cheery  tones  of  the  soldier's  voice. 

"  So  we  sang  the  chorus  from  Atlanta  to  the  sea." 
Anon,  they 

"Sang  of  love  and  not  of  fame, 
Forgot  the  Nation's  glory ; 
Each  heart  recalled  a  different  name, 
But  all  sang  '  Annie  Laurie.'" 

The  writer  regards  as  two  of  the  best  songs  born  of  the 
war,  "  The  battle  hymn  of  the  Republic,"  and  "  Tenting  on 
the  old  camp  ground,"  a  song  he  has  hummed  on  battlefield. 

Looking  back,  after  twenty-five  years,  to  Camp  Doug 
las  and  the  men  who  there  mingled,  of  not  a  few  of  the 
many  comrades  who  there  sang  together,  and  who  after 
wards  moved  over  fields  made  red  with  their  own  blood,  do 
words  of  Theodore  O'Hara  in  his  "  Bivouac  of  the  Dead  " 


CAMP  DOUGLAS.  45 

appear  most  appropriate,  as  they   are  among  the  choicest 
ever  penned  of  hero  dead. 

"  The  muffled  drum's  sad  roll  has  beat 

The  soldier's  last  tattoo  ; 
No  more  on  life's  parade  shall  meet 

That  brave  and  fallen  few. 
On  Fame's  eternal  camping-ground 

Their  silent  tents  are  spread, 
And  glory  guards  with  solemn  round 

The  bivouac  of  the  dead. 
No  rumor  of  the  foe's  advance 

Now  swells  upon  the  wind, 
No  troubled  thought  of  midnight  haunts 

Of  loved  ones  left  behind ; 
No  vision  of  the  morrow's  strife 

The  warrior's  dream  alarms, 
No  braying  horn  or  screaming  fife 

At  dawn  shall  call  to  arms. 
Their  shivered  swords  are  red  with  rust, 

Their  plumed  heads  are  boweH, 
Their  haughty  banner  trailed  in  dust 

Is  now  their  martial  shroud — 
And  plenteous  funeral  tears  have  washed 

The  red  stains  from  each  brow, 
And  the  proud  forms  by  battle  gashed 

Are  free  from  anguish  now." 
,  "  Nor  shall  your  glory  be  forgot 

While  Fame  her  record  keeps, 
Or  Honor  points  the  hallowed  spot 

Where  Valor  proudly  sleeps." 
"  Nor  wreck,  nor  change  nor  winter's  blight, 

Nor  time's  remorseless  doom, 
Can  dim  one  ray  of  holy  light 

That  gilds  your  glorious  tomb." 

The  larger  part  of  the  time  that  the  One  Hundred  and 
Twenty-fifth  Regiment  spent  at  Chicago  was  passed  in  Camp 
Douglas.  We  moved  to  this  camp  from  Camp  Childs, 
October  i8th.  Mr.  Ellis  wrote  of  the  change  as  follows  : 

This  morning  we  received  orders  to  pack  up  our  "traps  "  and  get  ready  for  re 
moval  to  barracks  in  Camp  Douglas.  W7e  should  have  much  preferred  to  have 
received  orders  for  Camp  Halleck,  Troy,  but  no  opposition  was  made  and  to-night 
we  find  ourselves  located  in  comfortable  quarters.  No  longer  will  the  men  be 
obliged  to  lie  on  the  damp,  cold  ground  and  rise  with  cold  and  rheumatism.  Our 
quarters  are  furnished  with  comfortable  bunks,  with  hay,  if  desired.  Each  com- 


46       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

pany's  quarters  are  separate  from  the  others,  with  cook-room  and  dining  hall  in 
the  rear.  The  non-commissioned  officers  are  quartered  separate  from  the  men— 
jn  many  respects  an  improvement.  Of  course  the  barracks  are  vastly  superior  to 
tents  at  this  season  of  the  year,  and  it  is  expected  that  the  regiment  will  soon  re 
gain  its  wonted  health.  The  greatest  objection  which  the  men  have  to  being 
stationed  here  is  the  strictness  with  which  they  apprehend  we  shall  be  confined 
within  the  enclosure,  having  been  accustomed  to  almost  unrestrained  liberty  while 
at  Camp  Childs. 

Apart  from  the  sickness  of  many  of  the  men  at  Camp  Doug 
las,  everything  was  favorable  to  the  enjoyment  of  camp  life. 
The  usual  drill  and  daily  duties  gave  exercise,  the  discipline 
of  the  regiment  was  improved,  rations  were  abundant  and 
good,  and  the  men  were  comfortably  clothed.  Passes  to  visit 
the  city  were  regularly  given,  and  the  people  of  Chicago 
manifested  a  kind  interest  in  the  soldiers.  The  Young  Men's 
Christian  Association  sought  to  supplement  the  work  of  the 
chaplains  of  the  regiments.  Among  those  representing  the 
Young  Men's  Christian  Association  was  Dwight  L.  Moody, 
since  widely  known  in  the  Christian  world,  and  at  that  time 
a  zealous  Christian  worker.  His  earnest  appeals  will  still  be 
remembered  by  many  who  listened  to  him  in  the  board  chap 
el  at  Camp  Douglas.  The  writer,  then  an  enlisted  man,  was 
greeted  by  him  on  the  streets  of  Chicago  and  kindly  invited 
to  his  home,  where  pleasant  time  was  passed  in  conversation. 

Our  abode  at  Camp  Douglas  extended  through  a  month, 
when  on  the  22d  of  November,  having  been  duly  exchanged, 
we  were  taken  again  eastward  to  the  scenes  of  action. 

The  journey  eastward,  like  our  trip  westward,  and  our  first 
travels  to  the  front,  was  attended  by  tokens  of  the  good  will 
of  the  people  who  at  various  points  entertained  us  bountifully. 

The  names  of  Altoona,  Pittsburg,  Baltimore  and  Philadel 
phia  are  fragrant  memories  to  the  men  of  the  One  Hundred 
and  Twenty-fifth,  who  at  these  places  witnessed  a  practical 
expression  of  the  patriotism  of  the  people.  Letters  written 
by  the  soldiers  to  the  press,  and  private  letters  to  friends  at 
home,  that  have  been  carefully  treasured  during  all  the  years 
which  have  followed  the  war,  are  full  of  words  of  gratitude 
for  the  generous  tables  at  which  the  men  were  made  to  par- 


CAMP   DOUGLAS.  47 

take.  Moving  westward,  we  approached  Altoona  of  a  Sun 
day.  The  word  was  received  there  that  ten  thousand  troops, 
who  had  been  without  suitable  food  for  several  days,  were 
expected.  The  people  were  assembled  in  the  churches.  The 
services  of  prayer  and  praise  were  concluded,  when  the  pas 
tors  told  of  the  coming  of  the  soldiers,  and  advised  that 
instead  of  preaching  that  day,  there  should  be  practicing, 
and  dismissed  the  people  to  prepare  food  for  the  men.  Roy 
ally  did  the  people  respond,  and  a  bountiful  repast  was  the 
result.  But  at  no  place  were  the  troops  more  generously 


UNION  REFRESHMENT  SALOON.  PHILADELPHIA. 

entertained  than  in  the  "  old  cooper  shop,"  and  in  the  Union 
Refreshment  Saloon,  Philadelphia.  A  short  path  to  a  sol 
dier's  heart  was  by  way  of  his  stomach.  Napoleon  said  that 
"Armies  moved  on  their  bellies."  Certainly  a  well-filled 
stomach  made  the  soldier  move  with  greater  cheer.  But,  a 
maxim  of  the  same  General  was:  "The  first  qualification  of 
a  soldier  is  fortitude  under  fatigue  and  privation.  Courage 
is  only  the  second ;  hardship,  poverty,  and  want  are  the  best 
school  for  the  soldier."  By  that  test  were  our  men  approved, 
for  cheerfully  did  they,  when  necessity  demanded,  press  for 
ward  with  empty  haversacks  to  duty  and  danger. 


CHAPTER   V. 

IN  VIRGINIA  AGAIN. 

CAMP    CHASE — WOLF-RUN    SHOALS — WOODYARD  FORD — UNION    MILLS — FAIRFAX 
COURT-HOUSE — CENTREVILLE. 

"\T  7HILE  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment 
*  *  was  under  parole  and  was  encamped  at  Chicago,  bat 
tles  were  fighting  at  the  West.  At  luka,  Mississippi,  Septem 
ber  I Qth,  was  fought  the  battle  which  bears  the  name  of  that 
place.  Following  the  Battle  of  luka  occurred — on  the  3d 
and  4th  of  October — the  battle  of  Corinth,  Mississippi,  where 
the  Union  forces,  under  General  W.  S.  Rosecrans,  gained  a 
brilliant  victory,  inflicting  upon  the  rebels  a  loss  of  2,017 
killed,  7,854  wounded,  and  4,350  missing;  while  our  losses 
were  315  killed,  1,812  wounded,  and  232  missing.  General 
Rosecrans  reports  that  his  men  buried  1,423  rebel  officers  and 
men,  and  numbered  2,268  prisoners  taken.  The  official  Con 
federate  report  gave  their  losses  as  505  killed,  2,150  wounded 
and  2,183  missing.  This  last  report  is  undoubtedly  erroneous. 
In  this  battle  an  inferior  force  of  Union  troops  defeated  dis 
astrously  a  largely  superior  force  of  Confederates. 

On  the  7th  and  8th  of  that  same  month  of  October  was 
fought  the  battle  of  Perryville,  Kentucky,  where  also  the 
Union  Army  was  victorious,  losing  916  killed,  2,943  wounded 
and  489  missing.  The  rebels  lost  in  killed  about  1,300, 
wounded  nearly  3,000  and  missing  about  2,700. 

In  the  time  from  September  i6th  to  November  26th  the 
expeditions,  reconnoissances,  scouts,  skirmishes,  actions,  en 
gagements,  with  battles,  numbered  together  two  hundred 
and  forty-eight.  The  large  battles  are  the  salient  points,  the 
high  peaks ;  but  the  other  events  were  parts  of  the  great 
mountain-chain  of  the  struggle,  and  often  had  to  do  with 
the  success  or  failure  in  more  general  engagements. 


IN   VIRGINIA   AGAIN.  49 

Our  first  encampment  in  Virginia,  after  our  "  exchange,  " 
was  at  Arlington  Heights,  in  "  Camp  Chase,  "  opposite  Wash 
ington,  D.  C.  Opportunity  was  now  afforded  many  of  our 
men  to  see  for  the  first  time  the  Capital  of  our  Nation.  The 
opportunity  was  gladly  availed,  many  being  greatly  impressed 
by  a  sight  of  the  public  buildings.  But  the  city  itself  was 
far  less  then,  with  its  muddy  streets  crushed  by  heavily  laden 
army-wagons,  than  it  is  now  with  all  of  its  varied  and  attrac 
tive  improvements. 

Our  arrival  in  Washington  was  on  Monday,  November  25th  ; 
and  Tuesday  night,  November  26th,  we  were  marched  across 
Long  Bridge,  reaching  Camp  Chase  about  eleven  o'clock. 
We  were  now  in  possession  of  "  shelter  "  tents,  consisting  at 
that  time  of  rubber  blankets  so  arranged  that  they  could  be 
fastened  together  and  shaped  by  means  of  two  upright  sticks 
and  one  cross-piece,  into  a  tent. 

Our  encampment  at  this  point  was  brief.  At  eight  o'clock 
on  December  3d,  we  marched  to  Alexandria,  where  we 
boarded  platform  cars  for  Union  Mills.  The  road  was  by  no 
means  in  good  shape,  and  the  jostling  produced  by  the  rapid 
movement  of  the  train  excited  genuine  fear  of  disaster.  The 
night  that  followed  at  Union  Mills  Station  was  passed  shel 
terless.  The  next  day  was  given  in  part  to  unloading  cars. 
In  the  afternoon  we  were  marched  to  Wolf-Run  Shoals, 
making  the  distance  between  the  hours  of  t\vo  and  five 
o'clock.  A  battery  of  artillery  and  a  company  of  cavalry 
were  stationed  here  that  came  at  once  under  command  of 
Colonel  Willard.  As  it  was  reported  that  the  enemy  was 
near,  the  regiment  was  at  once  prepared  for  action  ;  but  the 
enemy  did  not  appear.  The  experiences  at  Wolf-Run  Shoals 
are  classed  among  the  "  rough  "  times,  snow  falling  as  the 
men  were  pitching  their  tents.  At  this  point  the  regiment 
was  armed  with  new  Springfield  rifles. 

Thursday  morning,  December  nth,  found  us  again  on  the 
move.  This  time  it  was  to  Woodyard  Ford.  Mr.  Henry 
Wheeler,  who  succeeded  Mr.  Ellis,  deceased,  as  correspon 
dent  of  the  Troy  Times,  in  a  letter  to  that  paper  describes 


50        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

the  move,  and  gives  some  facts  o.  interest.  Writing  from 
Woodyard  Ford  under  date  of  December  I4th,  1862,  he 
says  : 

"  Again  we  make  another  move.  After  having  arranged 
our  tents  and  laid  out  the  company  streets — to  do  which  we 
were  obliged  to  fell  a  large  number  of  trees — the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Twenty-fifth  was  ordered  to  this  camp,  a  distance  of 
about  four  miles.  We  "  struck  "  tents  on  Wednesday  night, 
the  loth  inst.,  and  at  an  early  hour  on  Thursday  morning 
started  on  the  march  for  this  camp.  We  have  pitched  no 
tents  this  time,  but  are  enjoying  camp  life  in  earnest  in  the 
woods.  It  is  not  very  cold  here  through  the  day,  but  at 
night  and  early  in  the  morning  it  is  quite  chilly. 

"  A  part  of  General  Sigel's  army,  under  command  of  Gen 
eral  Schenck,  has  arrived  and  is  now  encamped  at  Wolf-Run 
Shoals.  I  do  not  know  what  their  destination  is,  but  I  am 
pretty  certain  that  their  stay  here  is  only  temporary 

"  Captain  F.  S.  Esmond,  of  Company  C,  has  resigned  and 
his  resignation  has  been  accepted.  Lieutenant  Plumb  is  in 
command  of  the  company. 

"  There  are  quite  a  number  of  vacancies  of  line  officers  to 
be  filled.  Already  three  of  the  captains  have  resigned,  and 
one  has  been  cashiered.  There  are  few  vacancies  among  the 
lieutenants.  The  places  will  be  filled  soon.  I  do  not  think 
we  will  remain  here  long,  but  probably  will  winter  at  Union 
Mills.  Our  pickets  extend  to  that  place,  where  they  meet 
those  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-sixth  New  York  Vol 
unteers." 

The  regiment  was  at  this  time  complimented  in  an  order 
from  the  commanding  officer  of  the  brigade  to  which  the 
regiment  was  now  attached.  The  order  reads : 

HEADQUARTERS,  PROVISIONAL  BRIGADE.  ) 
UNION  MILLS,  VA.,  December  i2f/i,  1862    C 

Colonel  G.  L.    Willatd,  Commanding  forces  at  ]Voodyard  Ford,   Virginia. 

COLONEL  :  Conjointly  with  circular  of  this  date,  I  desire  to  express  to  you  my 
best  thanks  for  the  able  manner  with  \vhich  you  have  managed  your  forces  during 


IN    VIRGINIA   AGAIN.  51 

the  time  that  you  have  been  attached  to  my  brigade  ;  and  to  request  of  you  that 
you  may  tender  to  your  officers  and  men  my  satisfaction  for  the  cheerfulness  and 
military  spirit  with  which  they  have  borne  the  many  privations  incident  to  a  new 
organization,  made  more  difficult  to  bear  through  the  inclemency  of  the  weather. 
Believe  me  to  be  fraternally  yours, 

F.  C.  D'UTASSI, 
Col.  Commanding  First  Provisional  Brigade. 

How  little  men  knew  at  times  in  movements  made  and 
vexations  endured,  the  part  they  were  filling  in  a  large  plan. 
Often  weeks  passed  and  no  intelligence,  save  in  form  of  vague 
report,  reached  them  of  the  general  operations  of  the  war. 
While  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment  was 
being  moved  from  "  pillar  to  post  "  during  those  December 
days,  the  men  in  the  ranks  were  for  the  most  part  ignorant 
of  the  frightful  scenes  enacting  in  front  of  Fredericksburg. 
The  shifting  of  the  rear  line,  of  which  we  were  a  part — al 
though  miles  distant  from  the  front,  conformed  to  the  possible 
demands  of  the  line  pressing  across  the  Rappahannock  and 
up  Marye's  Heights.  Slow  movements  had  given  place  to 
rapid  movements,  so  far  as  the  army  was  concerned.  Now 
the  authorities  at  Washington  fail  in  their  part.  McClellan 
has  been  replaced  by  Burnside,  a  reluctant  successor  to  the 
command  of  an  army  which  he  declared  himself  unable  to 
handle.  On  the  /th  of  November  the  former  commander 
made,  at  Warrenton,  a  formal  adieu  to  the  Army  of  the  Po 
tomac.  He  was  the  only  one  of  its  commanders  who  with  any 
parade  took  leave  of  his  command.  A  forward  movement  is 
at  once  decided  upon.  Pontoon  bridges  are  called  for,  to 
span  the  Rappahannock  in  front  of  Fredericksburg.  No 
vember  i/th  is  the  day  set  for  their  arrival.  They  come  to 
hand  on  the  25th.  In  the  meantime,  the  rebel  army  reached 
the  ground,  and  the  awful  slaughter  of  brave  men  followed,  in 
one  of  the  bravest  attempts  ever  made  in  the  civil  war  or  in 
any  war  to  capture  strongest  works  over  most  difficult  grounds 
in  the  face  of  a  doubly  intrenched  army  of  great  strength. 
Alas,  for  Burnside  ! — alas,  for  the  brave  men  who  fell  with 
utmost  valor  before  an  impregnable  position — as  then 


52        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

manned — against  which  they  hurled  themselves  unflinch 
ingly!  Alas,  for  the  Army  of  the  Potomac!  Alas,  for  the 
Nation  !  Three  to  one  we  paid  the  price  of  unavailing  valor. 

We  suffered  in  killed  1,180,  in  wounded  9,028,  in  missing 
2,145  '»  while  the  rebel  loss  was  only  579  killed,  3,870  wounded, 
and  missing  127.  But  those  Union  missing  were  for  the 
most  part  forever  missing.  Only  900  were  prisoners  in  the 
rebel  hands,  the  other  1,200  were  buried  indiscriminately 
with  graves  marked  "  unknown." 

General  Burnside  made  another  brave  endeavor  to  accom 
plish  something  worthy  of  his  command.  But  his  efforts 
proved  vain  ;  and  confronted  by  a  divided  support  among 
his  subordinate  officers,  he  was  relieved  of  his  command. 

The  Battle  of  Fredericksburg  was  fought  chiefly  on  the 
1 3th  of  December,  the  whole  series  of  operations  extending 
from  the  loth — when  the  crossing  of  the  Rappahannock  be 
gan — to  the  1 7th,  when  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  was  back 
again  at  Falmouth. 

On  the  1 5th,  our  regiment  was  marched  from  Woodyard 
Ford  to  Union  Mills.  Mr.  Henry  Wheeler,  in  another  letter, 
describes  the  movement.  Under  date  of  December  22nd, 
at  Union  Mills,  he  writes: 

"  As  was  anticipated  in  my  letter  from  Woodyard  Ford, 
we  have  moved  to  this  place,  and  from  the  preparation  made 
I  should  judge  that  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Reg 
iment  will  spend  the  winter  here.  We  moved  from  Wood- 
yard  Ford  on  Monday  morning,  the  I5th  inst.,  and  after  a 
five  mile  march  reached  here.  The  tents  not  having  arrived, 
we  encamped  on  the  ground  that  night ;  but  we  had  not 
been  long  on  the  ground  before  a  heavy  rain-storm  set  inr 
completely  wetting  the  men  through.  It  was  a  tough  night, 
indeed.  Next  morning  the  tents  arrived  and  were  pitched 
by  the  men  in  a  short  time,  the  rain  continuing  to  fall  until 
nearly  noon.  Since  then  the  weather  has  been  somewhat 
cold,  and  every  night  large  fires  can  be  seen  in  the  company 
streets,  with  the  boys  sitting  in  front  of  their  tents  enjoying 
them.  We  were  also  favored  with  a  little  flurry  of  snow  on 


IN   VIRGINIA   AGAIN.  53 

Friday  last.  The  camp  is  well  laid  out,  and  is  situated  on 
the  hill  northeast  of  the  railroad  station.  There  is  quite  a 
large  number  of  soldiers  here.  The  United  States  Military 
Railroad — formerly  the  Orange  Railroad — runs  from  this 
place  to  Washington  daily.  The  road  is  only  used  in  trans 
porting  stores  to  the  troops  in  the  vicinity.  Lieutenant  F. 
Chamberlin,  of  Company  F,  has  resigned,  and  I  understand 
that  several  other  line  officers  intend  resigning  soon.  This 
regiment  is  very  unfortunate  in  the  loss  of  its  officers.  It 
does  not  number  over  five  hundred  men  at  the  present 
time — the  rest  either  being  sick  in  the  Chicago  and  Washing 
ton  hospitals  or  are  absent  without  leave.  Company  E,  with 
Lieutenant  Bush  in  command — Captain  Dimond  having  re 
signed — and  Company  G,  Captain  Lemon,  left  here  on  the 
1 8th  inst.,  for  Fairfax  Station,  on  detached  duty.  Lieuten 
ant-Colonel  Crandell  is  at  present  in  command  of  the  regi 
ment — Colonel  Willard  being  absent  at  Washington.  We 
had  an  alarm  in  camp  on  Saturday  morning.  About  half-past 
ten  o'clock  word  was  dispatched  to  Colonel  Crandell  to  have 
the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  in  readiness  for  an  attack. 
The  boys  were  in  line  with  pieces  loaded  in  double-quick 
time,  and  seemed  anxious  for  a  "  brush  "  with  the  rebels,  but 
they  were  disappointed.  The  cause  of  the  alarm,  I  under 
stand,  was  the  firing  by  our  own  pickets — the  Garibaldi 
Guards  into  some  of  our  cavalry  who  were  scouting.  It  is 
reported  that  two  of  the  cavalry  were  killed  but  I  cannot 
vouch  for  the  truth  of  the  report.  A  court-martial  was  con 
vened  at  Union  Mills  this  afternoon  of  which  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Crandell  and  Captain  E.  P.  Jones,  of  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment,  are  members.  The  regi 
ment  seems  to  be  greatly  improving  in  drill  and  promises 
well.  I  forgot  to  mention  that  the  One  Hundred  and  Twen 
ty-fifth  Regiment  is  in  General  Casey's  Division,  and  Acting 
Brigadier-General  D'Utassi's  Brigade.  General  D'Utassi  is 
colonel  of  the  Thirty-ninth  New  York  State  Volunteers,  bet 
ter  known  as  the  'Garibaldi  Guards.'  " 

While  the  regiment  was  encamped  at  Union  Mills,  one  af- 


54        ()NE  HUNDRED  AND    TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  V.  S.  VOLS. 

ternoon — as  the  men  were  drawn  up  in  line  at  dress-parade, 
up  the  road  from  Union  Mills  came  riding  at  rapid  pace  two 
horsemen.  The  road  ran  a  little  one  side  from  the  camp  and 
passed  into  the  woods  towards  Fairfax  Court-house.  The 
camp-guard  extended  on  a  line  within  the  woods.  The  wri 
ter  was  in  the  chaplain's  tent,  when  the  chaplain  from  out 
side  called  to  him  to  hurry  out.  As  he  stepped  out,  the 
horsemen  dashed  by,  and  before  the  guards  had  recovered 
from  their  surprise  the  riders  were  beyond  reach.  One  was  a 
rebel  officer,  and  the  other  a  negro  attendant.  It  was  a  bold 
dash.  It  was  at  the  time  of  a  rebel  cavalry  raid  to  the  rear 
of  our  position.  That  night  a  company  was  sent  out  under 
the  lead  of  several  volunteers,  who  followed  in  the  wake  of 
the  rebel  horsemen,  and  were  stationed  by  Colonel  Crandell 
at  a  point  where  met  some  cross-roads  reaching  to  the  camp. 
But  the  rebels  put  in  no  further  appearance  that  night.  Only 
one  shot  was  fired  during  the  progress  of  the  affair.  The 
writer  owns  that  he  fired  that  shot.  It  was  intimated  that 
the  offending  object  was  a  bush  swaying  in  the  night  air.  In 
the  dim  distance  of  years  he  is  constrained  to  acknowledge 
the  possible  justness  of  the  intimation.  But  afterwards,  reb 
els  became  at  times  as  numerous  as  bushes,  and  like  mistakes 
were  less  likely  to  occur. 

Before  leaving  Union  Mills,  a  Young  Men's  Christian  Asso 
ciation  was  formed  in  the  regiment  and  work  was  attempted 
on  a  chapel.  But  another  change  in  location  defeated  the 
latter  plan,  and  subsequent  demands  of  the  service  rendered 
futile  the  former  organization. 

While  we  were  yet  at  this  place,  the  word  was  flashed  over 
the  country  of  the  fierce  battle  at  Murfreesboro,  or  Stone 
River,  Tennessee,  on  the  last  day  of  1862  and  the  first  three 
days  of  the  new  year.  It  was  one  of  General  Rosecrans'  larg 
est  battles.  The  Union  losses  are  stated  at  1.533  killed,  7,245 
wounded  and  2,800  missing ;  while  the  rebel  losses  are  given 
at  about  9,000  killed  and  wounded,  and  16,560  missing.  The 
right  and  left  of  the  Union  line  were  driven  back  a  short  dis 
tance,  on  successive  days,  but  finally  repelled  the  rebels,  who 


IN  VIRGINIA  AGAIN.  55 

retreated  from  the  field,  leaving  Murfreesboro  in  the  posses 
sion  of  the  Union  troops. 

The  Times  ( Troy,  N.  Y. )  correspondent  dates  his  next 
letter  at  Fairfax  Court-house,  January  23d,  1863.  His  letter 
reads : 

"  Contrary  to  general  expectation,  the  One  Hundred  and 
Twenty-fifth  Regiment  has  again  shifted  its  quarters.  The 
order  of  General  Casey,  requiring  our  removal  to  Fairfax 
Court-house,  was  read  to  the  regiment,  while  on  dress- 
parade,  Monday  night  last,  and  on  the  following  morning  the 
march  for  this  place  was  taken  up.  The  boys  were  greatly 
surprised  to  learn  that  they  were  again  to  move,  as  only  a  few 
days  previous  they  had  stockaded  their  tents,  by  order  of 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Crandell,  and  made  everything  comforta 
ble  for  winter.  We  have  taken  up  our  quarters  on  the  camp 
ground  recently  occupied  by  the  Fifteenth  Vermont  Volun 
teers,  who,  like  us,  had  also  stockaded  their  tents  and  gone 
into  winter  quarters,  only  to  be  ordered  somewhere  else.  I 
will  not  venture  to  state  that  we  are  to  stay  here  any  great 
length  of  time.  The  mud  in  the  roads  is  almost  a  foot  deep, 
and  they  are  in  some  places  almost  impassable. 

"  Stephen  W.  Washburn,  of  Company  K,  died  in  the  hospi 
tal  at  Camp  Casey,  Union  Mills,  on  the  6th  inst.,  and  was 
buried  with  military  honors  on  the  ^th.  His  disease  was 
chronic  diarrhoea.  From  a  private  letter,  I  understand  that 
George  Bullson,  of  Company  D,  recently  died  in  the  Marine 
Hospital,  at  Chicago,  of  gastric  fever.  Lieutenant  Comisky, 
of  Company  C,  has  resigned  and  his  resignation  has  been  ac 
cepted.  Lieutenant  Newcomb,  of  Company  G,  has  been  ap 
pointed  Chief  of  the  Ambulance  Corps  of  General  Casey's 
Division.  The  selection  was  well  made.  A  military  board 
for  the  examination  of  non-commissioned  officers,  consisting 
of  Captain  Myer  of  Company  B ;  Captain  Armstrong  of 
Company  D  ;  and  Captain  Vandenburgh  of  Company  K,  has 
been  in  session  some  time,  and  I  am  informed  that  several 
orderly  sergeants  have  been  recommended  for  promotion  by 
the  board.  Colonel  D'Utassi  has  been  superseded  in  the 


56        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

command  of  the  Third  Brigade,  Casey's  Division  ( to  which 
the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  is  attached )  by  Briga 
dier-General  Alexander  Hays  of  Pennsylvania." 

The  non-commissioned  officers  referred  to  in  the  above 
letter  were:  Edward  O'Conner,  Merritt  Miller,  L.  H.  Cran- 
dell,  Donald  Gillies,  Bennett  G.  Barto,  William  Milner,  Sher 
man  Cleminshaw  and  George  A.  Bryan.  We  give  another 
letter  which  tells  its  own  story. 

"  We  are  again  on  the  march.  We  had  made  everything 
comfortable  in  camp  at  Fairfax  Court-house,  when,  on  Mon 
day  night  of  last  week,  orders  came  for  the  regiment  to 
report  immediately  at  Centreville,  and  the  following  morning 
the  march  was  taken  up  and  we  arrived  here  about  noon. 
The  distance  was  only  about  seven  miles.  The  men  suffered 
from  the  cold  while  marching,  and  that  night  were  obliged 
to  sleep  on  the  ground  in  their  tents  without  fires.  The 
night  was  an  awful  one  and  the  men  suffered  terribly.  The 
next  morning  they  could  be  seen  busily  engaged  in  building 
fire-places  in  their  tents,  and  making  themselves  otherwise 
comfortable.  We  have  experienced  the  severest  weather, 
since  we  have  been  here,  of  any  yet  while  in  the  service. 

"  Captain  Hartshorn,  of  Company  E,  returned  to  the  regi 
ment  yesterday  afternoon,  and  has  assumed  command  of  his 
new  company.  Lieutenant  Taylor,  of  Company  F,  has  also 
just  returned  this  afternoon  to  his  company.  Both  officers 
are  looking  well  and  hearty.  Second  Sergeant  Lee  Churchill, 
of  Company  F,  has  been  appointed  Second  Lieutenant  of 
Company  K,  vice  McG.  Steele,  resigned.  The  regiment  is 
fast  improving  in  discipline  and  efficiency  and  promises  to  be 
one  of  the  best  among  the  three  years'  volunteers.  Lieuten 
ant-Colonel  Crandell  is  still  in  command ;  the  men  love  and 
respect  him,  both  as  an  officer  and  a  gentleman.  Our  new 
sutler,  James  Cole,  of  Nassau,  arrived  here  a  few  days  since, 
and  is  well  patronized  by  the  boys.  The  '  long  roll '  was 
sounded  in  camp  last  night,  and  the  regiment  was  formed  in 
line  of  battle,  ready  to  meet  the  enemy.  But  no  enemy  was 
to  be  seen." 


IN  VIRGINIA  AGAIN.  57 

Following  this  letter  is  one  dated  at  the  same  place,  Feb 
ruary  1 8th,  and  still  others  that  give  account  of  our  life  at 
Centreville : 

"Again  your  correspondent  takes  the  opportunity  of  in 
forming  your  readers  as  to  the  doings  of  the  One  Hundred 
and  Twenty-fifth  regiment.  '  All  is  quiet  along  the  lines,'  in 
this  neighborhood.  General  Casey  has  refused  to  accept  the 
resignation  of  Lieutenants  Plumb,  Chamberlin,  Pickett, 
Buchanan  and  Fink — he  not  deeming  their  reasons  for  re 
signing  sufficient.  Those  of  Lieutenant  Joles,  of  Company 
D,  and  Lieutenant  Bush,  of  Company  E,  have  been  accepted 
and  they  intend  returning  home  in  a  few  days.  Chaplain 


STONE  CHURCH  AT  CENTREVILLE,  VIRGINIA. 

Barlow  has  also  tendered  his  resignation,  on  account  of  ill 
health,  but  it  has  not  yet  been  accepted.  Quartermaster 
Ball  has  been  recommended  for  the  position  of  paymaster  in 
the  regular  army,  with  the  rank  of  major.  In  the  event  of 
the  appointment  being  confirmed — which  is  deemed  certain 
— Quartermaster-Sergeant  George  Jenkins  will  undoubtedly 
be  appointed  to  fill  the  vacancy  occasioned  by  Mr.  Ball's 
promotion.  Mr.  Jenkins  is  a  capable  and  efficient  officer,  and 
if  appointed,  will  make  a  good  and  worthy  quartermaster. 
Mr.  George  H.  Owen,  our  new  assistant  surgeon  in  place  of 
Surgeon  Benedict,  resigned,  arrived  here  a  few  days  since, 
and  has  commenced  his  duties.  He  is  highly  spoken  of  by 
those  who  are  intimately  acquainted  with  him. 


58        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  V.  S.  VOLS. 

"  In  order  to  let  your  readers  know  the  exact  amount  of 
duty  required  of  the  members  of  this  regiment,  I  submit  the 
following  calls  :  Reveille,  6  A.  M.;  sick  call,  6.30  A.  M.;  break 
fast  call,  7  A.  M.;  guard  mounting,  8  A.  M.;  officers'  drill,  9  A. 
M.;  squad  drill,  10  A.  M.;  recall,  12  M.;  dinner,  12.30  P.  M.; 
battalion  drill,  2  p.  M.;  recall,  4  p.  M.;  dress  parade,  4.30  P.  M.; 
supper,  5  P.  M.;  tattoo,  7.30  p.  M.;  taps,  8  P.  M.  We  have  to 
do  picket  duty  two  out  of  every  six  days.  The  Drum  Corps 
has  been  fully  organized  under  the  leadership  of  George  L. 
Wallace,  of  Company  B.  It  consists  of  ten  snare  drums, 
one  base  drum  and  five  fifes,  and  is  continually  improving. 
On  the  night  of  the  I5th  inst.,  the  entire  corps  sounded  the 
4  tattoo  '  and  the  regiment  gave  three  hearty  cheers.  It  is  a 
singular  fact,  and  one  worthy  of  note,  that  this  cheering 
was  the  first  done  by  the  men  since  we  left  Martinsburg. 
The  night  of  the  i6th  was  a  merry  one  in  camp.  Several  of 
our  officers,  after  prevailing  on  the  drum  corps  to  furnish  the 
music,  started  a  dance  in  front  of  Adjutant  Sheldon's  quar 
ters,  and  in  a  very  few  moments  the  officers  and  men  were 
engaged  in  tripping  the  *  light  fantastic  toe.'  All  seemed  to 
relish  the  sport  hugely,  and  when'  taps'  sounded,  retired  to 
their  tents  perfectly  satisfied  with  the  evening's  entertain 
ment. 

"  Sergeant  Sherman  Cleminshaw,  of  Company  F,  has 
received  a  commission  as  Second  Lieutenant,  but  has  not 
as  yet  been  assigned  to  a  company.  Commissions  in  the 
negro  regiments  about  to  be  raised  have  been  tendered  to 
the  non-commissioned  officers  of  the  One  Hundred  and 
Twenty-fifth.  The  Thirty-ninth,  One  Hundred  and  Eleventh, 
One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  New  York,  and  the  Eleventh 
Massachusetts  battery,  are  stationed  at  this  place,  and  are 
under  the  command  of  Colonel  D'Utassi,  of  the  Thirty- 
ninth  New  York. 

"  Since  my  last  letter  to  your  valuable  sheet,  quite  a  num 
ber  of  promotions  have  been  made  in  the  One  Hundred  and 
Twenty-fifth  Regiment.  They  were  announced  at  dress 
parade  on  Monday  afternoon  last,  and  are  as  follows :  First 


IN  VIRGINIA  AGAIN.  59 

Lieutenant  Wm.  H.  Plumb,  Jr.,  of  Company  C,  to  be  Cap 
tain  of  Company  F ;  First  Lieutenant  Frank  Chamberlain,  of 
Company  F,  to  be  Captain  of  Company  C ;  Second  Lieuten 
ant  L.  H.  Stevens,  of  Company  G,  to  be  First  Lieutenant ; 

B.  R.  Townsend,  of  Company  D,  to  be  First  Lieutenant  of 
Company  F ;  Orderly  Sergeant  Edward  O'Conner,  of  Com 
pany  A,  to  be  Second  Lieutenant  of  Company  B ;   Orderly 
Sergeant  B.  G.  Barto,  of  Company  I,  to  be  Second  Lieuten 
ant  of  Company  A ;  Orderly  Sergeant  Merritt  Miller,  of  Com 
pany  G,  to  be  Second   Lieutenant  of  Company  G ;   Orderly 
Sergeant  G.  A.  Bryan,  of  Company  K,  to  be  Second   Lieu 
tenant  of  Company  D  ;  Sergeant  L.  H.  Crandell,  of  Company 
G,  to  be  Second  Lieutenant  of  Company  E.     Second  Lieu 
tenant  Sherman  Cleminshaw  has  been  assigned  to  Company 

C,  in  place  of  Lieutenant  Comiskey,  resigned.     It  will  be  ob 
served  that  with  but  one  exception  these  officers  have  been 
promoted  in  other  companies  than  their  own.     It  is  due  to 
the  Orderly  Sergeant  of  Company  E,  I.  DeWitt  Coleman,  to 
say  that  he  peremtorily  refused  to  be  considered  a  candidate 
for  promotion,  rather  than  obtain  it  in  another  company, 
and  be  obliged   to  part  with  his  comrades,  with  whom,  he 
says,  he  shall  share  the  fate  that  may  be  meted  out  to  them. 
If  he  doubted  his  ability  to  sustain  himself  in  the  examina* 
tion,  none  else  in  the  regiment  did.     He  has  shown  by  this 
noble  act  that  he  is  prompted  by  a  higher  motive  than  dis 
tinction  or  money  in  serving  his  country.     It  would  be  well 
if  more  men  of  Sergeant  Coleman's  sentiments  could  be  found 
in  the  army. 

"  Three  deaths  have  occurred  in  this  regiment  within  the 
past  few  days.  Private  Trueman  Sweet,  of  Company  E, 
(Captain  Hartshorn,)  died  in  the  hospital  here  on  Saturday 
night,  February  2ist,  of  congestion  of  the  lungs.  He  had 
been  sick  about  a  week.  His  remains  were  interred  on  Mon 
day  morning,  the  whole  regiment  attending  his  funeral.  He 
was  aged  31  years,  and  was  an  unmarried  man.  Private 
George  Green,  of  Company  K,  died  in  the  brigade  hospital 
at  Union  Mills,  on  the  morning  of  the  24th  inst.,  of  typhoid 


60        ONE  HUNDRED  AND    TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  V.  S.  VOLS. 

fever.  He  was  19  years  old,  and  was  first  taken  sick  while 
the  regiment  was  at  Chicago.  Corporal'  Robert  Rollings- 
worth,  of  Company  C,  died  on  the  2 1st  inst.,  of  typhoid  in 
flammation  of  the  lungs,  at  the  brigade  hospital,  Union  Mills. 
His  father  has  been  notified  of  his  death,  and  it  is  intended 
to  send  his  remains  to  Troy  for  burial.  Thus  have  three 
good  soldiers  passed  to  another  and  better  world.  May  they 
rest  in  peace.  Lieutenants  Buchanan  and  Fink,  of  Company 
I,  have  tendered  their  resignations,  on  account  of  physical 
disability.  They  will  no  doubt  be  accepted.  These  gentle 
man  have  been  ill  for  some  time  past,  and  have  with  great 
reluctance  at  last  been  obliged  to  resign." 

Under  date  of  March  2d,  he  writes  : 

"  Your  correspondent  is  obliged  to  inform  your  readers  in 
this  letter  of  the  first  accident  which  has  occurred  in  this 
regiment,  resulting  from  the  careless  use  of  fire-arms.  The 
particulars  are  as  follows:  This  evening  about  six  o'clock, 
a  private  of  Company  D,  named  Michael  Larkins,  \vho  was 
on  camp  guard,  was  sent  to  escort  a  prisoner — a  member  of 
Company  I — to  his  quarters  for  supper.  While  standing  in 
the  company  street,  private  William  Alexander,  of  the  latter 
company,  commenced  to  play  with  Larkins,  upon  which  the 
latter,  in  a  joking  manner,  supposing  the  piece  unloaded — 
believing  it  his  own — took  aim  and  fired.  Unfortunately,  it 
proved  to  be  loaded,  and  the  ball  entered  Alexander's  head, 
and  into  his  brain  and  passing  out  at  the  upper  lip,  glanced 
across  the  street  and  lodged  in  the  fleshy  part  of  the  leg  of 
Isaac  Wager,  of  Company  A.  Wager  was  splitting  wood  at 
the  time  in  front  of  Captain  Sheldon's  quarters.  Both  men 
were  immediately  conveyed  to  the  hospital,  but  upon  arriving 
there  Alexander  was  found  to  be  dead.  His  face  was  terribly 
mangled.  The  wound  in  Wager's  leg  is  not  considered  dan 
gerous.  Drs.  Cooper  and  Akin  did  their  utmost  to  extract 
the  bullet  from  Wager's  leg,  but  could  not  find  it.  It  has 
undoubtedly  passed  down  into  the  muscles  of  the  limb,  where 
it  will  remain.  Larkins  says  that  his  piece  had  not  been 
loaded,  and  he  supposed  he  had  it  with  him.  But  unfortu- 


IN   VIRGINIA  ACI A  IN.  6 1 

nately  he  made  a  mistake  and  took  a  loaded  musket  belonging 
to  William  A.  Allen,  of  Company  D,  who  was  also  on  guard. 
Hence  the  accident.  Larkins  was  placed  under  arrest,  but 
he  will  undoubtedly  be  released,  as  it  was  purely  accidental. 
Alexander  will  be  remembered  by  your  citizens  as  an  actor 
at  the  Adelphia  theatre,  previous  to  his  enlistment  in  this 
regiment.  This  fatal  accident  will  serve  as  a  terrible  warning 
to  the  members  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  against 
the  careless  handling  of'  fire-arms  in  the  future.  I  believe  the 
unfortunate  man  has  a  wife  residing  in  your  city.  The  regi 
ment  was  mustered  for  two  months'  pay  on  Saturday  last, 
and  the  prospects  are  that  we  will  be  paid  about  the  middle 
of  the  present  month.  On  the  occasion  of  the  muster,  the 
men  never  looked  or  marched  better — the  drum  corps  doing 
their  very  best. 

"  On  Saturday  night,  the  '  long-roll '  was  again  sounded  in 
camp  and  the  men  turned  out  in  quick  time.  After  standing 
out  in  the  rain  for  about  two  hours,  they  were  ordered  back 
to  their  quarters,  to  sleep  on  their  arms,  and  be  ready  in  case 
of  an  emergency.  But  we  were  not  disturbed  during  the 
remainder  of  the  night.  The  rebels  are  reported  in  large 
force  some  twelve  miles  distant  from  this  place,  and  should 
they  attack  us,  they  will  meet  with  a  warm  reception  in  the 
shape  of  leaden  bullets  and  glistening  steel.  The  One  Hun 
dred  and  Twenty-fifth,  if  attacked,  will,  I  am  certain,  prove 
themselves  equal  to  the  emergency. 

"  Lieutenants  Buchanan  and  Fink  of  Company  I,  having 
tendered  their  resignations  on  account  of  ill  health,  Have  been 
honorably  discharged  from  the  service.  Their  departure  is 
much  to  be  regretted,  as  they  were  competent  and  efficient 
officers.  A  general  court-martial  convened  at  Union  Mills 
this  morning  for  the  trial  of  various  offenders  against  military 
laws.  Mr.  E.  Chamberlin,  father  of  Captain  Chamberlin, 
and  W.  S.  Hartshorn  of  Petersburg!*,  brother  of  Captain 
Hartshorn,  have  been  here  on  a  visit  to  their  friends. 

"  Your  correspondent  has  just  been  informed  of  another 
rebel  raid  in  this  vicinity.  The  particulars  are  as  follows  : 


62        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  V.  S.  VOLS. 

A  party  of  rebels,  about  forty  in  number,  succeeded  in  getting 
within  our  picket  line,  near  this  place,  about  4  o'clock  this 
morning,  and  had  it  not  been  for  the  vigilance  of  the  senti 
nel  on  the  fort  occupied  by  the  Eleventh  Massachusetts^ Bat 
tery,  they  would  undoubtedly  have  made  a  large  haul  of 
horses.  Being  baffled  in  this,  they  made  their  way  to  Fair 
fax  Court-house,  a  distance  of  seven  miles,  and  succeeded  in 
taking  Brigadier-General  E.  H.  Stoughton,  of  the  Vermont 
Brigade,  prisoner,  and  captured  a  horse  belonging  to  the 
wrell-known  Colonel  Wyndham.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Robert 
Johnson,  of  the  Fifth  New  York  Cavalry,  made  his  escape  by 
jumping  out  of  a  window  in  his  night-clothes.  The  rebels 
then  took  their  departure  for  their  own  camp.  The  manner 
in  which  they  effected  an  entrance  through  our  picket  lines, 
as  far  as  I  can  learn,  is  thus  explained.  The  rebels  established 
a  post  on  our  picket  line,  and  thus  obtained  the  countersign 
from  our  *  grand  rounds  '  when  it  made  patrol  about  mid 
night,  the  *  rounds  '  supposing,  of  course,  that  it  was  one  of 
our  own  picket  posts.  For  the  benefit  of  the  boys,  I  state 
that  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment  was  not 
doing  picket  duty  on  that  night.  Therefore  the  blame,  if 
there  is  any,  does  not  rest  with  this  regiment. 

"  Refugees  from  Richmond  are  daily  arriving  here,  by  way 
of  the  Warrenton  road.  They  present  a  pitiful  tale  of  the 
sufferings  of  the  people  at  that  place.  William  Alexander, 
who  was  accidentally  shot  by  the  discharge  of  a  musket  in 
the  hands  of  Michael  Larkins,  on  the  night  of  the  2d  inst., 
was  buried  with  military  honors  on  the  Wednesday  afternoon 
following.  The  ball  entered  his  face  on  the  right  side  of  the 
nose  and  passed  out  at  the  back  part  of  his  head.  Wager's 
wound  in  the  leg  is  slowly  improving.  It  has  been  found 
impossible  by  our  surgeons  to  extract  the  ball,  without  as 
suming  a  great  deal  of  risk,  as  it  has  lodged  in  the  muscles  of 
the  limb.  An  examination  has  been  had  in  the  affair  and 
Larkins  honorably  discharged  from  arrest,  the  whole  proving 
purely  accidental.  First  Lieutenant  Hakes,  of  Company  B, 
(Captain  Myer)  has  again  tendered  his  resignation.  It  has 


IN   VIRGINIA  AGAIN.  63 

not  yet  been  accepted.  Chaplain  Ezra  D.  Simons  arrived 
here  a  few  days  ago,  and  was  warmly  welcomed.  He  brought 
on  some  fifty  fatigue  caps,  donated  by  a  benevolent  Trojan 
lady,  which  proved  very  acceptable  to  those  who  were  lucky 
enough  to  obtain  them.  Sergeant  Charles  R.  German,  of 
Company  D,  has  been  acting  commissary  sergeant  in  place 
of  Mr.  Simons,  and  his  efficient  performance  of  its  duties 
has  proved  him  'competent  for  the  position.  He  will  no 
doubt  be  appointed  to  fill  the  vacancy.  Some  fifteen  mem 
bers  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  are  about  to  be 
discharged,  on  account  of  physical  disability." 

Writing  March  i6th,  he  says  : 

"  Sergeant-Major  Harry  L.  Haskell  has  received  his  com 
mission  as  Second  Lieutenant  of  Company  F,  in  place  of 
Lieutenant  W.  D.  Taylor,  promoted ;  and  First  Sergeant 
Wm.  Milner,  of  Company  D,  has  received  a  like  commission 
in  Company  H,  vice  Lieutenant  Hull,  promoted.  Lieuten 
ants  Haskell  and  Milner  are  well  qualified  for  their  positions, 
and  will  prove  themselves  worthy  of  the  compliment  be_ 
stowed  upon  them.  They  are  well  liked  throughout  the  regi 
ment.  Hospital  Steward  Frederick  A.  Morey  has  been  pro 
moted  to  the  rank  of  sergeant-major.  A  better  selection 
could  not  have  been  made.  Colonel  Willard  is  president  of 
the  general  court-martial  now  sitting  at  Alexandria.  He 
will  probably  be  detained  from  joining  the  regiment  for  sev 
eral  weeks  longer  than  was  anticipated. 

"  Captain  A.  B.  Myer,  of  Company  B,  intends  to  return 
home  on  a  leave  of  absence  in  a  few  days,  on  account  of  ill 
health.  He  has  not  been  well  for  some  time.  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  C.  D.  McDougall,  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Eleventh 
New  York  Volunteers,  has  superseded  Colonel  F.  G.  D'Utassi 
in  the  command  of  the  post  at  Centreville — the  latter  officer 
having  been  ordered  to  report  at  Washington  some  time 
since." 

Under  date  of  March  28th,  the  following  facts  are  recorded : 

"Sergeant  Aaron  Goodrich,  of  Company  I,  has  recently 
been  appointed  Second  Lieutenant  by  Governor  Seymour^ 


64        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

Lieutenant  Goodrich  has  been  assigned  to  that  position  maae 
vacant  by  Lieutenant  Fink's  resignation.  The  headquarters 
of  the  Third  Brigade,  Brigadier-General  Alexander  Hays, 
was  removed  from  Union  Mills  to  Centreville  a  few  days 
since,  and  General  Hays  has  already  assumed  command  of 
this  post." 

On  the  3  ist  of  March  a  sad  occurrence  was  described : 
"  An  affair  of  rather  serious  nature  occurred  in  the  camp 
of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment  about 
nine  o'clock  last  night.  The  following  are  the  particulars : 
Private  Philip  Gibbs  of  Company  H,  of  this  regiment,  (but 
detached  as  an  ambulance  driver  for  the  brigade),  undertook 
to  pass  outside  the  guards,  near  the  main  entrance  to  the 
camp,  without  giving  the  countersign.  As  soon  as  perceived 
he  was  ordered  to  '  halt '  by  the  guard  several  times,  but 
paying  no  attention  whatever  to  their  commands,  one  of 
them,  Albert  Youmans,  of  Company  I,  took  aim  and  fired  at 
him.  Gibbs  immediately  fell  to  the  ground  and  commenced 
to  groan  as  if  in  great  pain.  He  was  taken  up  and  conveyed 
to  our  hospital,  where  proper  surgical  aid  was  given  him  by 
Drs.  Cooper  aud  Akin.  The  ball  entered  at  the  posterior 
part  of  the  leg,  about  two  inches  above  the  ankle  joint,  pass 
ing  upwards  in  an  oblique  direction,  wounding  the  posterior 
tibial  artery,  and  shattering  the  lower  extremity  of  the  tibia 
badly.  The  ball  passed  directly  through  the  leg.  It  is  an 
exceedingly  painful  and  dangerous  wound,  but  our  skillful 
surgeons  have  some  hopes  of  saving  the  limb,  although  Gibbs 
will  no  doubt  be  rendered  unfit  for  military  service  hereafter. 
He  refuses  to  answer  any  questions  pertaining  to  the  affair, 
and  it  is  strange  indeed  what  must  have  been  his  reasons  for 
not  halting  when  commanded  to  do  so  by  the  guards.  When 
fired  upon  he  was  about  fifteen  rods  distant  from  the  camp. 
Colonel  Willard  justifies  Youmans  in  the  course  pursued  by 
him,  as  he  was  acting  in  obedience  to  orders,  and  according 
to  the  regulations.  The  affair  created  considerable  excite 
ment  in  camp,  but  through  the  exertions  of  our  officers  all 
was  again  quiet  in  a  short  time.  The  health  of  this  regiment 


IN  VIRGINIA  AGAIN.  65 

is  fast  improving  under  the  watchful  care  of  our  surgeonsr 
and  the  sick  in  the  hospital  are  few. 

Writing  still  from  Centreville  under  date  of  April  13th,, 
he  records: 

"  We  are  about  to  make  another  move.  The  Third  Brigade, 
to  which  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  is  attached,  has 
received  marching  orders ;  and  a  '  general  order '  was  pub 
lished  on  dress  parade  last  evening,  by  our  worthy  Adjutant, 
Lieutenant  E.  P.  Sheldon,  requiring  the  regiment  to  be  in 
readiness  to  march  at  an  early  hour  this  morning.  We  were 
all  ready,  according  to  orders,  for  the  forward  movement ; 
but  at  this  hour  (8.30  P.  M.),  we  still  remain  at  this  place. 
When  the  march  is  taken  up,  the  tents  of  the  officers  and 
men  are  left  behind,  and  it  is  very  probable  that  we  are  about 
to  see  active  service.  Our  destination  is  unknown,  but  your 
correspondent  will  take  the  first  opportunity  to  inform  your 
readers  of  the  whereabouts  and  doings  of  the  One  Hundred 
and  Twenty-fifth.  A  general  court-martial  convened  at  Cen 
treville  on  the  3d  inst.,  of  .which  Colonel  George  L.  Willard 
was  President.  Captain  S.  C.  Armstrong,  of  Company  D, 
was  also  a  member.  The  court  has  been  busily  engaged  for 
several  days  past  in  the  trial  of  a  member  of  the  Thirty- 
ninth  New  York  Volunteers,  who  is  charged  with  having 
murdered  a  comrade-in-arms  of  the  same  regiment.  The 
crime  was  committed  in  their  camp  at  this  place  some  weeks 
since. 

"  Quartermaster-Sergeant  George  W.  Jenkins  has  been  pro 
moted  to  be  Quartermaster  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty- 
fifth,  vice  L.  Chandler  Ball,  promoted  to  paymaster  in  the 
regular  army.  During  the  short  time  Mr.  Jenkins  has  been 
officiating  as  Quartermaster,  he  has  shown  himself  to  be  fully 
competent  in  every  respect  to  discharge  the  arduous  duties 
of  the  position,  and  has  also  given  perfect  satisfaction  to  both 
officers  and  men.  He  was  warmly  recommended  for  the 
appointment  to  Governor  Seymour  by  every  officer  in  the 
regiment.  The  wants  of  the  men  are  in  the  best  of  hands, 
and  a  more  satisfactory  appointment  could  not  be  made. 


66        ONE  HUNDRED  AND   TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  V.  S.  VOLS. 

A  regimental  inspection  and  muster  was  had  on  Saturday 
morning  last.  The  strength  of  the  regiment  is  about  700 — 
including  the  officers.  The  battalion  made  a  splendid  ap 
pearance,  and  was  highly  complimented  by  every  person  who 
witnessed  the  inspection.  In  the  evening,  we  were  all  recip 
ients  of  a  serenade  from  the  brigade  brass  band,  which  very 
generously  tendered  their  services  at  our  dress  parade.  After 
discoursing  some  fine  music,  they  returned  to  headquarters. 
Our  drum  corps  is  daily  improving,  and  promises  to  be  one 
of  the  best  in  the  service. 


LIEUTENANT   GEORGE  \V.  JENKINS,  QUARTERMASTER. 

"  Second  Lieutenant  Edward  O'Connor,  of  Company  B,  has 
been  promoted  to  be  First  Lieutenant  of  Company  I,  vice 
Buchanan,  resigned  ;  and  First  Sergeant  Donald  Gillies,  of 
Company  I,  to  be  Second  Lieutenant  of  Company  B,  vice 
O'Conner  promoted.  These  promotions  were  deserved  ones, 
and  the  gentlemen  appointed  are  fully  qualified  for  their 
positions.  William  D.  Durkin,  of  Company  C,  has  been 
appointed  Hospital  Steward,  vice  F.  A.  Morey,  promoted  to 
Sergeant-Major.  The  selection  was  a  good  one. 

"Captain  Vandenburgh,  of  Company  K,  who  has  been  ab 
sent  from  the  regiment  for  some  time,  owing  to  ill-health,  has 
rejoined  the  command  of  his  company,  much  to  the  general 


IN  VIRGINIA  AGAIN  67 

satisfaction  of  the  regiment — he  being  a  well-disciplined  and 
genial  officer.  During  Captain  Vandenburgh's  absence,  and 
the  sickness  of  Lieutenants  Pickett  and  Churchill,  the 
command  of  Company  K  has  been  in  the  efficient  care  of 
Lieutenant  Quay,  of  Company  A. 

The  following  graphic  letter  was  written  by  Rev.  J.  S. 
Lemon,  a  brother  of  Captain  George  E.  Lemon,  under  date 
of  April  22d,  '63,  at  Centreville,  Va.  : 

"  I  am  becoming  decidedly  pleased  with  this  portion  of 
Virginia.  We  have  had  some  pleasant  weather  since  I  arrived 
and  thus  I  have  had  some  opportunity  to  acquaint  myself  in 
part  with  the  locality.  Captain  Lemon  being  officer  of  out 
post,  it  was  his  duty  to  visit  each  picket  station  once  during 
the  night.  I  accompanied  him,  and  in  this  manner  greatly 
familiarized  myself  with  the  neighborhood  of  Centreville. 
Captain  Lemon  had  a  horse,  and  ex-officio  Lieutenant  W.  K. 
Newcomb,  who  as  chief  of  the  ambulance  corps  on  General 
Abercrombie's  staff,  controls  the  disposition  of  about  two 
hundred  horses,  kindly  furnished  me  one.  The  line  picketed 
by  the  Third  Brigade,  in  which  is  the  One  Hundred  and 
Twenty-fifth,  extends  about  five  miles.  We  visited  each  post 
on  the  entire  line — that  is,  from  Blackburn's  Ford  on  the  left 
to  the  Stone  Mill  road  on  the  right.  I  have  perfect  confi 
dence  in  our  pickets.  They  are  becoming  very  vigilant  and 
critical.  It  seems  almost  an  actual  impossibility  to  pass  these 
without  complying  with  the  conditions.  The  men  are  now 
well  trained  and  for  the  most  part  understand  their  duty. 
Another  fact  is  evident.  They  do  not  hesitate  to  perform  it. 
They  do  not  fear  to  shoot.  They  seem  rather  to  be  fast  to 
let  fire.  This  is  so  true  that  in  several  instances  our  own 
men  have  been  imperiled.  It  is  exceedingly  dangerous  to 
tempt  them.  An  attempt  to  pass,  especially  our  outpost 
guard,  is  no  proof  of  bravery,  but  rather  of  foolhardiness. 
There  are  several  reasons  for  this  :  first  they  have  been  so 
often  deceived  by  rebel  intruders  and  even  our  own  men  that 
they  see  near  the  line  ;  second  they  are  ordered  to  shoot  any 
one  who  does  not  halt  when  thus  demanded  three  times. 


68         ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

Should  the  wind  be  blowing  in  a  contrary  direction,  or  some 
other  contingency  occur,  a  man  might  be  forthwith  shot ; 
tnird,  there  are  some  men  who  are  exceedingly  ambitious  to 
rise.  Faithfulness  in  military  duty  is  of  the  greatest  import 
ance  to  a  soldier  in  the  way  of  promotion.  Many  men  would 
seek  such  a  reputation,  though  it  might  not  be  by  the  most 
legitimate  means.  A  man  of  this  character  might  not  be 
specially  careful  to  raise  his  voice  to  the  highest  key  when 
giving  the  warning  word  *  halt.'  A  halt,  expressed  for  the 
third  time  with  a  suppressed  voice,  not  meeting  with  imme 
diate  response  on  the  part  of  the  intruder,  he  might  be  either 
shot  dead  or  wounded ;  fourth,  there  are  many  Germans, 
French  and  other  foreigners  in  our  army.  An  officer  will  go 
forth  to  instruct  these  as  to  picket  duty.  They  will  say, 
'yes,  yes/  and  act  as  though  they  understood  it  fully.  But 
when  a  man  approaches  the  line  they  are  as  apt  to  shoot  him 
and  to  shout  afterwards,  as  to  do  the  reverse  ;  fifth,  another 
reason  is  the  punishment  and  reproach  attending  them  should 
they  allow  anyone  to  pass  without  doing  so  properly.  A 
faithful  picket  is  one  of  the  best  style  of  soldier,  and  is  well 
worthy  our  praise  and  sympathy.  Through  the  long  hours 
of  the  night — far  from  the  bright  and  cherished  home  circle, 
and  on  the  very  border  of  a  land  infested  with  murderers 
and  rebels — drenched  with  rain  and  still  facing  the  storm — 
he  patrols,  gun  in  hand,  to  protect  his  friends  and  to  v/arn 
the  camp  of  the  approach  of  the  enemy. 

"  At  a  later  time  in  the  spring  one  could  much  more  enjoy 
visiting  in  this  part.  The  scenery  is  very  fine.  The  country 
is  quite  hilly  but  not  too  much  so  to  render  it  pleasant.  One 
in  driving  with  a  team  or  on  horseback,  is  not  at  all  troubled 
with  bars,  gates  or  fences.  Nothing  of  the  kind  is  seen  in 
this  locality.  Look  as  far  as  we  are  able,  no  fence  appears. 
Earthworks  are  thrown  up  all  about  us.  Rifle-pits  extend 
for  miles.  All  manner  of  temporary  fortifications  are  num 
erous.  The  forts  constructed  here  are  evidence  of  good 
skill.  This  is  true  both  as  to  the  forts  themselves  and  their 
relative  position  to  each  other.  As  is  well  known,  these  were 


IN   VIRGINIA  AGAIN.  69 

prepared  by  the  rebels  and  for  very  wise  reasons  evacuated. 
It  was  in  these  that  the  celebrated  Quaker  guns  were  found. 
Near  by  are  the  remains  of  a  railroad  which  was  being  con 
structed  for  the  conveyance  of  supplies  from  Richmond  for 
their  soldiers  in  this  section.  Parts  of  a  corduroy  road  also 
exist.  On  every  hillside  are  skeletons  of  horses,  cattle,  and, 
at  a  little  distance  in  the  Bull  Run  section,  even  of  human 
beings.  Evidence  of  the  horrors  of  war  strike  one  on  every 
side.  Discharged  bullets  and  shells  are  picked  up  in  every 
walk.  Bent-up  bayonets,  gun-locks,  barrels,  rods,  etc.,  knap 
sacks  and  cartridge-boxes,  and  numerous  other  war  utensils, 
strew  the  ground.  'I  here  give  but  an  idea  of  what  meets 
one  as  he  goes  forth  from  our  encampment." 


CHAPTER   VI. 

CENTREVILLE — CONTINUED. 

IV /TUCH  space  is  purposely  given  in  this  regimental  history 
-L'-l-  to  its  early  experiences.  In  the  history  of  but  few  reg 
iments  can  the  many-sided  nature  of  army  life  in  time  of  war 
be  more  fully  seen  than  in  the  records  of  the  One  Hundred 
and  Twenty-fifth.  While  yet  in  crude  shape  the  regiment 
was  cast  into  the  furnace  of  a  disaster  for  whose  hot  shame  it 
was  in  no  way  or  degree  responsible.  Then  it  was  poured,  in 
unsolidified  form  into  a  parole  camp  whose  whole  atmosphere 
tended  to  divide  rather  than  to  unite.  Feeling  still  the  heat 
of  its  former  trial,  it  was  sent  anew  to  the  front ;  and  amid 
hardships  and  changes  and  masterly  training  it  was  moulded 
into  a  model  regiment  of  intelligent,  disciplined  and  brave- 
spirited  soldiers,  ready  for  hardest  service  in  actual  conflict. 

Rev.  J.  S.  Lemon,  a  visitor  to  the  regiment,  a  letter  from 
whom  appears  in  the  last  chapter,  in  writing  again  to  the 
Troy  Times  from  Centreville,  described  in  highest  terms  of 
commendation  the  discipline  and  general  good  character  of 
the  regiment.  He  had  made  careful  inquiry  among  the  men 
of  the  motives  which  had  brought  them  into  the  service,  and 
learned  by  mingling  with  them  of  their  present  spirit,  and 
extolled  their  patriotism  and  predicted  for  the  regiment  a  fu 
ture  of  most  honorable  service,  a  prediction  which  was  fully 
realized. 

On  Monday,  the  27th  of  April,  the  regiment,  with  the  ex 
ception  of  Companies  A  and  E,  was  called  upon  to  march  to 
Ox-road  Junction,  near  the  old  Chantilly  battle-field.  Lieu 
tenant-Colonel  Crandell  was  in  command.  Two  regiments 
of  cavalry  and  two  pieces  of  artillery  were  already  on  the 


IN   CAMP   AT  CENTREVILLE  /I 

ground.  Our  lines  were  threatened.  The  danger  passing, 
after  four  days  the  regiment  returned  to  its  former  camp, 
reaching  this  about  eleven  o'clock  Friday  morning,  May  1st. 

On  the  early  nights  of  May — from  the  1st  to  the  5th — was 
to  be  seen  by  us  from  the  heights  of  Centreville  the  flash  on 
the  southern  horizon  of  the  guns  of  Chancellorsville,  whose 
work  ceased  not  with  the  oncoming  of  the  darkness.  Then 
was  occurring  that  magnificently  planned,  but  miserably  exe 
cuted  campaign,  in  which  was  dimmed  in  blood  another  name, 
which  from  star  of  first  magnitude  faded  to  its  true  propor 
tions  as  star  of  second  magnitude.  The  brilliant  Hooker,  who, 
before  and  afterwards,  displayed,  as  division  or  corps  com 
mander,  most  commendable  qualities,  proved,  like  Burnside, 
unequal  to  the  direction  in  time  of  action  of  so  vast  an  ar 
my  as  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  After  the  first  able  move, 
to  left  and  right,  across  the  Rappahannock,  followed  gravest 
indecision ;  a  grand  position  towards  Fredericksburg  is  re 
linquished,  high  ground  is  given  up  for  low  ground,  provo 
king  the  earnest  Meade  to  exclaim  :  u  My  God,  if  we  cannot 
hold  the  top  of  a  hill,  we  certainly  cannot  hold  the  bottom 
of  it !"  The  right  of  the  Union  line  hangs  "  in  air,"  two  mag 
nificent  army  corps  are  allowed  to  remain  inactive,  ammu 
nition  is  permitted  to  be  exhausted,  with  a  petulant  neglect 
to  replenish  the  empty  cartridge-boxes ;  and  Chancellorsville 
is  named  a  Confederate  victory,  despite  the  Union  forces 
were  at  least  two  to  one  of  the  Confederates.  True,  some 
grand  fighting  was  done  by  the  Union  army,  yet  this  suffered 
a  miserable  defeat. 

But  General  Lee  and  the  Confederacy  lost  the  equivalent 
of  an  army  at  Chancellorsville  when  they  lost  "  Stonewall " 
Jackson,  the  most  brilliant  of  all  the  rebel  generals.  He 
displayed  the  qualities  of  a  Napoleon.  He  was  in  "  dead 
earnest."  He  took  largest  risks  to  gain  a  vital  point,  and 
he  generally  succeeded.  Other  rebel  generals  attempted  feats 
like  those  of  Jackson,  but  they  failed.  His  loss  was  irrepar 
able  to  the  rebel  forces,  and  his  death  was  a  large  gain  to  the 
Union  cause.  For  the  death  of  Jackson  the  loss  of  Chan- 


72        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  YOLS. 

cellorsville  might  well  be  sustained.  That  battle  really  dates 
the  decision  at  Washington  for  the  removal  of  General 
Hooker.  It  was  only  a  question  of  the  proper  time  to  make 
the  change.  The  purpose  was  firm  that  he  should  not  lead 
the  army  in  another  general  engagement. 

An  event  of  importance  to  our  regiment  was  the  return 
from  special  duty  of  Colonel  Willard.  His  high  soldierly 
ideas,  gained  through  years  of  honorable  service,  were  not  at 
first  appreciated  by  men  whose  life-thoughts  had  been  those 
of  citizens.  But  the  leadership  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Cran- 
dell,  during  the  months  of  Colonel  Willard's  absence,  had 
prepared  them  to  appreciate  all  that  is  noble  in  a  soldier's 
bearing ;  and  when  Colonel  Willard  again  laid  his  hand  on 
the  regiment  he  found  material  plastic  and  ready  for  his  far 
ther  moulding.  He  found  men  in  whom  he  could  take  a  just 
pride,  and  whose  interests  became  one  with  his  own,  and  who 
thrilled  at  his  touch  with  an  admiration  which  survives  all 
these  years.  The  officers  of  the  regiment  extended  to  him 
tokens  of  their  good-will,  and  the  men  became  lavish  in  their 
expressions  of  confidence  and  affection.  On  his  part,  kind 
ness  with  firmest  discipline  and  utmost  care  for  their  welfare 
were  manifested.  The  regiment  now  reached  an  unsurpassed 
condition  of  soldierly  bearing  and  fidelity  to  duty. 

During  the  month  of  May,  Private  Henry  B.  Beebe  of 
B  Company  was  appointed  quartermaster-sergeant,  and  Ser 
geant  David  E.  White  of  E  Company  was  promoted  to 
commissary-sergeant.  Lieutenant  Joseph  Hyde  was  ap 
pointed  brigade-inspector  on  General  Alexander  Hays'  staff, 
in  which  position  he  was  soon  called  upon  to  render  valuable 
service  on  the  field  of  battle.  Private  George  L.  Wallace  was 
made  principal  musician  of  the  regimental  drum  corps. 

While  the  regiment  was  at  Centreville,  Companies  A  and 
E  were  detached  for  a  long  time  and  were  kept  at  Accotink 
Station,  eleven  miles  from  Alexandria,  Virginia.  They  were 
employed  in  guarding  wood-choppers  and  wagon-trains. 
Captain  E.  A.  Hartshorn  was  in  command,  reporting  direct  to 
General  Heintzleman  at  Washington.  Their  camp  was  on 


IN  CAMP  AT  CENTRE VI LLE.  73 

the  Widow  Fitzhugh  estate.  At  one  time  it  was  suspected 
that  General  Fitzhugh  Lee,  a  nephew  of  Mrs.  Fitzhugh,  had 
entered  our  lines  and  was  in  her  home.  A  detachment,  under 
command  of  Lieutenant  L.  H.  Crandell,  was  directed  to 
search  the  mansion,  and,  despite  tears  and  protestations  on 
the  part  of  Mrs.  Fitzhugh,  they  were  compelled  to  discharge 
their  duty.  But,  if  the  rebel  general  was  in  the  house, 
searching  failed  to  bring  him  to  light. 

Our  camp  at  Centreville  was  on  ground  occupied  by  the 
rebel  army  after  the  first  battle  of  Bull  Run.  A  fort  on  one 
of  the  hills  near  by  gained  its  name  in  a  peculiar  way.  Just 
before  the  first  battle  of  Bull  Run  quite  a  number  of  civilians 
came  from  Washington  to  witness  the  fight.  They  brought 
provisions  for  a  good  repast.  On  a  hill  their  dinner,  with 
wine  and  champagne,  was  spread.  While  they  were  feasting, 
the  repulsed  Union  soldiers  came  pouring  by  the  place.  It 
can  readily  be  imagined  that  the  citizen  friends  joined  in  the 
retreat  and  were  not  the  last  in  the  line.  The  rebels  coming 
up  later  to  the  vacated  spot,  and,  finding  among  other  things 
the  champagne  bottles,  built  a  fort  in  that  place  and  called 
it  Fort  Champagne,  a  name  which  it  still  bore  when  we  were 
at  Centreville 

Major  James  C.  Bush  was  mustered  out  at  Centreville.  He 
was  a  kind  officer,  whose  goodness  of  heart  impressed  itself 
upon  the  men.  It  mattered  not  who  the  person  might  be — 
private  or  officer — that  desired  help  from  him,  in  word  or 
deed,  the  person  received  a  kind  welcome  and  a  helping  hand. 
After  his  retirement  from  military  life,  he  rendered,  in  con 
nection  with  the  Sanitary  Commission,  valuable  service  to  our 
men.  Of  this  the  writer  \vas  personally  a  witness.  Captain 
A.  B.  Myer  became  major  in  place  of  Major  Bush. 

Quartermaster  L.  Chandler  Ball,  who  left  the  regiment  at 
Centreville,  having  been  promoted  to  major  and  paymaster, 
was  a  man  of  decided  ability  and  culture.  His  age  was 
against  his  endurance  of  the  exposures  of  field-service,  yet 
he  had  thus  far  bravely  sustained  all  hardships ;  and,  at  Har 
per's  Ferry,  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties,  he  displayed  most 


74        UXE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VQLS. 

positive  courage  ;  braving  danger  in  bringing  the  head-quar 
ter  wagons  from  under  fire.  At  one  time,  after  the  surrender, 
he  came  suddenly  upon  a  company  of  rebel  officers  seated 
among  some  trees.  His  rapid  approach  and  sudden  appear 
ance  came  near  costing  him  his  life.  Thinking  that  there 
might  have  been  an  assault  by  Union  forces,  known  by  them 
to  be  near  at  hand,  the  rebels  were  on  the  point  of  firing 
upon  him  ;  but  he  coolly  said,  "  You  surely  would  not  shoot 
a  man  moving  peacefully  in  the  line  of  his  duty."  Quarter 
master  Ball  did  much  towards  the  formation  of  the  regiment, 
and  during  his  time  of  service  with  us,  he  labored  hard  and 
faithfully  for  its  interests.  His  promotion  was  a  worthy  one. 
Subsequently,  he  repeatedly  visited  the  regiment,  and  his 
coming  was  doubly  welcome,  as  he  brought  with  him  the  ever 
welcome  greenback.  He  is  now  numbered  with  the  dead. 

Chaplain  Rev.  Joseph  Lansing  Barlow,  who  also  left  the 
regiment  at  Centreville,  was  a  worthy  man.  He  was  one  who' 
had  fought  bravely  the  battle  of  life.  He  was  for  years  a 
printer  and  was  connected  with  the  press  editorially.  He 
served  in  the  Gazette  office  in  Danbury,  Connecticut.  At 
one  time  he  tried  the  life  of  a  sailor,  making  a  trip  to  British 
Guiana  in  South  America,  subsequently  going  on  several 
whaling  trips,  ©n  the  last  of  these  that  he  made,  he  was 
severely  injured  by  a  whale,  which  caused  him  to  relinquish 
a  sea-faring  life.  Returning  to  a  printer's  life,  he  originated 
the  Bridgeport  (Connecticut)  Standard,  Afterwards  he  was 
editor  and  half-owner  of  the  Western  Neiv  Yorker.  Later, 
he  was  employed  at  Bridgeport,  Connecticut,  where  his  life 
was  in  peril  through  disease,  recovery  from  which  he  attri 
butes  to  direct  answer  to  prayer.  In  1850  he  started  at  Deck- 
ertown,  N.  J.,  the  Sussex  County  Home  Journal.  Sub 
sequently,  he  edited  and  published  at  Port  Jervis,  N.  Y., 
the  Mirror  of  Temperance.  He  connected  with  this  duty 
occasional  preaching,  to  which  latter  calling  he  was  now  be 
ing  drawn.  He  rendered  true  service  as  preacher  and  pastor 
at  Seymour,  Connecticut ;  Montville,  Massachusetts ;  Green 
field  Center,  New  York  ;  Stillwatcr,  New  York  ;  and  when 


IN  CAMP  AT  CENTREVILLE.  75 

the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment  was  forming, 
he  was  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church,  Lansingburg,  New  York. 
He  was  a  zealous  patriot.  His  voice  was  heard  in  defense  of 
the  Union,  and  he  accepted  the  position  of  chaplain  of  the 
regiment  with  the  earnest  desire  of  rendering  efficient  service. 
But  it  was  soon  manifest  that  his  health  was  not  equal  to  the 
demands  of  active  campaigning,  and  he  resigned  his  position. 
Great  success  attended  his  pastorate  at  Broadalbin,  New 
York,  after  his  army  service.  He  baptized  in  one  year  one 
hundred  and  eleven  converts.  He  has  since  been  settled  as 
pastor  in  Illinois,  Wisconsin,  Connecticut,  Canada,  and  at  the 
time  of  this  writing  is  located  at  Grundy  Centre,  Iowa. 

Among  the  other  officers  whom  the  regiment  had  thus  far 
lost  by  resignation  was  Captain  William  Dimond  of  E  Com 
pany.  He  was  a  brave  officer  and  true  man,  and  was  deserv 
edly  popular  in  his  company.  But  he  was  that  sort  of  man 
who  could  not  see  what  use  there  was  for  an  officer's  sword. 
A  line  officer's  sword  was  more  ornamental  than  useful. 
Captain  Dimond  said  after  Harper's  Ferry,  that  if  he  could 
have  a  good  hickory  stick  in  his  hand  he  could  do  better  ser 
vice  in  battle  than  with  a  sword.  At  a  reunion  of  the  regi 
ment  in  Troy,  in  August,  1887,  the  writer  learned  of  the  re 
cent  death  of  Captain  Dimond,  one  of  whose  last  expressed 
wishes  was  that  he  might  have  lived  to  be  present  at  the 
first  reunion  of  his  old  comrades. 

Those  were  golden  days  of  soldiering  at  Centreville  during 
the  early  spring  and  summer  of  1863.  The  camp  was  a 
model.  The  location  wras  magnificent — beautiful  in  itself, 
and  commanding  wide  and  diversified  view  of  ground  at 
once  attractive  in  vale  and  hill  and  clothed  with  historic  in 
terest  as  already  the  scene  of  great  struggles.  Friends — 
wives  and  other  kindred — of  officers  and  men  visited  the 
camp.  Among  those  visitors  were  Mrs.  Crandell,  wife  of 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Crandell ;  Mrs.  Ezra  Defreest,  who  had 
two  sons  in  the  regiment,  members  of  Company  H,  and  Mrs. 
Hartshorn,  wife  of  Captain  E.  A.  Hartshorn. 

For  the  most    part,    the  service    at   Centreville   was  the 


76        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

poetry  of  a  soldier's  life,  with  all  the  benefits  and  but  little 
of  the  bane  of  outdoor  life,  which  in  its  better  features  was 
truly  wholesome.  But  this  order  of  things  was  not  destined 
to  continue.  When  the  camp  was  arranging  for  the  hot 
summer  weather,  events  were  shaping  for  the  hot  work  of 
actual  conflict.  General  Lee's  army  had  begun  another 
northward  movement  and  General  Hooker's  forces  were 
marching  to  overtake  the  rebel  army.  On  the  I4th  of  June 
the  head  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  came  within  the  vicin- 
tiy  of  Centreville.  The  Eleventh  and  First  Army  Corps  were 
soon  followed  by  the  Third  and  Fifth  Corps.  The  entire 
army  during  the  following  days  marched  through  Centre 
ville,  officers  and  banners  and  men  objects  of  intense  curios 
ity  to  us,  shaming  us,  as  the  old  soldiers  named  us,  "  bandbox 
and  white-glove"  soldiers,  while  we  envied  them  as  veterans. 
But,  white  gloves  were  soon  to  be  things  of  the  past,  and 
the  band-box  was  to  be  forever  laid  aside,  as  we  became 
parts  of  that  greatest  Army  of  the  Republic,  the  sharers  of 
its  toils,  mingling  blood  with  that  of  its  heroes  and  identified 
in  honor  and  destiny  with  its  triumphs. 

The  campaign,  marked  by  the  nearness  of  that  army  to 
Centreville,  dates  from  June  3d,  just  one  month  after  Chan- 
cellorsville  was  fought.  Events  of  momentous  interest  were 
progressing.  A  necessity  was  pressed  upon  the  rebel  army 
in  Virginia  to  attempt  a  decisive  move.  The  folly  of  any 
direct  attempt  on  Hooker's  forces  at  Falmouth  were  appar 
ent  to  every  one  who  has  seen  the  lay  of  the  ground.  A  bold 
stroke  was  planned.  It  was  aimed  at  the  North  and  at  Wash 
ington.  The  urgency  of  the  need  will  explain  the  boldness 
of  the  plan. 

On  the  ipth  of  May,  Vicksburg  at  the  West  was  fully  in 
vested  by  the  army  of  General  Grant.  In  a  move  surpassing 
anything  ever  attempted  by  Lee  or  "  Stonewall  "  Jackson  ; 
in  a  campaign  which  disclosed  the  super-eminent  genius  of 
General  Grant,  placing  him  foremost  of  all  the  generals  of 
the  war,  on  either  side,  and  ranking  him  with  the  greatest 
captains  of  all  history,  he  had  with  inferior  numbers  fought 
and  won,  in  quick  succession,  five  battles  ;  striking  in  front 


IN   CAMP  AT   CENTREVILLE.  // 

Port  Gibson  and  at  Raymond  ;  to  right,  at  Jackson  ;  and  to 
left,  at  Champion's  Hill,  and  the  Big  Black,  until  he  had 
hemmed  a  large  hostile  army  into  a  position  where,  with 
bull-dog  tenacity,  he  was  choking  out  its  life. 

That  move  below  Vicksburg — made  against  judgment  of 
President  Lincoln,  against  counsel  of  General  W.  T.  Sher 
man  (next  to  Grant  the  greatest  of  the  Union  generals),  made 
against  all  regular  laws  of  military  operations ;  made  without 
awaiting  for  scarcely  anything  deemed  necessary  to  success 
in  warfare — that  move  was  threatening  full  triumph  in  the 
capture  of  an  entire  army,  when  General  Lee  took  up  his 
northward  march.  That  alone  had  been  sufficient  reason  for 
a  sharp,  aggressive,  counteracting  measure  on  his  part  who 
was  never  lacking  in  courage  and  skill  to  meet  any  emergency 
arising  in  the  rebel  cause. 

But,  added  to  the  reason  given  were  other  considerations 
of  great  weight.  The  Union  army  had  been  depleted  by  the 
expiration  of  the  term  of  service  of  many  of  its  number. 
There  was  a  restlessness  at  the  North,  a  partisan  disposition 
to  resist  the  national  war  policy — a  disposition  which  did 
soon  break  forth  in  riot,  notably  in  the  city  of  New  York. 
France  and  England  were  manifestly  anxious  to  recognize 
the  Southern  Confederacy.  The  former  nation  had  abetted 
Maximilian  in  his  Mexican  operations,  now  in  full  tide  of 
success.  Swinton,  in  one  of  his  works,  makes  the  credible 
statement,  that  it  was  understood  between  the  South  and 
Europe,  that  "  If  Lee,  after  the  astonishing  successes  he  had 
achieved  on  the  soil  of  Virginia,  should  carry  his  army  into 
the  North,  and  there  make  a  lodgment  promising  some  de 
gree  of  permanence,  the  South  would  receive  the  long- 
coveted  boon  of  foreign  recognition."  Mr.  Pollard,  a  South 
ern  writer,  records  that  "  the  conjuncture  which  had  been 
reached  was  the  most  critical  of  the  war."  All  these  con 
siderations  entered  into  the  rebel  invasion  of  the  North,  one 
of  the  most  daring  of  all  their  plans,  and  the  most  fatal  to 
them  of  all  their  campaigns. 

It  is  not  the  least  part  of  the  glory  of  the  One  Hundred 


78        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment,  that  it  had  part,  at  most  critical 
moments,  in  inflicting  an  overwhelming  defeat  upon  a  defiant 
foe. 

When  we  were  ready  to  leave  Centreville  to  join  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac,  Captain  George  E.  Lemon  was  directed  to 
remain  with  his  company  at  the  old  camp  with  instructions 
to  destroy  all  government  stores  which  had  accumulated  at 
Centreville,  when  the  rebel  forces  should  reach  Union  Mills ; 
and  then  to  follow  and  rejoin  the  regiment.  The  task  was 
left  in  faithful  hands,  and  the  torch  was  made  at  proper 
moment  to  do  its  work  effectually. 


CAPTAIN   WILLIAM   D.    TAYLOR. 


Lieutenant  (afterwards  Captain)  William  D.  Taylor  had  an 
exciting  experience  about  this  time.  He  was  detached,  June 
2Oth,  1863,  to  command  the  ambulance  train  of  Abercrom- 
bie's  Division,  Twenty-second  Army  Corps,  and  was  ordered 
to  Alexandria,  Virginia,  with  part  of  the  train.  While  he 
was  at  this  place,  the  Division  left  Centreville.  He  was  then 
ordered  to  Washington,  and,  after  a  few  days,  was  directed 
to  report  at  Edward's  Ferry,  where  the  army  was  expected 


IN   CAMP   AT   CENTREVILLE.  79 

to  cross  that  day,  June  28th.  Then  occurred  an  incident  which 
would  have  tried  the  nerve  of  any  soldier.  While  on  his 
way  to  Edward's  Ferry  he  ran  into  the  rebel  cavalry  on  their 
wide  detour  around  the  Union  army  in  that  exploit  which 
cost  the  rebels  so  dearly  in  their  subsequent  operations  in 
Pennsylvania.  He  was  captured  about  ten  miles  from  Wash 
ington,  on  the  road  to  Rockville,  Maryland.  The  rebels 
reached  no  point  nearer  the  Capital  during  the  entire  war  than 
at  the  time  of  Captain  Taylor's  capture.  Immediately  after 
he  was  made  a  prisoner,  he  was  met  by  General  J.  E.  B. 
Stuart,  in  command  of  the  cavalry  expedition.  This  general 
drew  his  navy  revolver,  cocked  it,  and  placing  the  muzzle 
less  than  two  feet  from  Captain  Taylor's  face,  threatened 
to  shoot  him  on  the  spot  if  he  failed  to  give  true  answers  to 
any  questions  asked  him.  The  rebel  general  then  questioned 
him  of  the  distance  to  Washington  ;  as  to  how  many  Union 
troops  were  within  and  outside  the  fortifications,  and  plied 
him  at  many  other  points  of  value.  The  captain  will  allow 
that  he  was  a  little  shaky  as  he  looked  into  the  black  mouth 
of  that  revolver,  but  he  thinks  that  he  forgot  to  tell  all  he 
knew.  Certainly  General  Stuart,  while  expressing  the  judg 
ment  that  Captain  Taylor  had  over-estimated  the  number  of 
Union  forces  at  hand,  gave  up  any  attempt  to  enter  Washing 
ton.  Captain  Taylor  was  taken  to  Rockville,  Md.,  and  was 
paroled  that  night  with  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  other 
officers  and  enlisted  men.  He  returned  to  Washington  the 
next  day,  tramping  about  twenty  miles.  He  remained  in 
Washington  until  the  latter  part  of  August,  when  he  rejoined 
the  regiment  at  Elk  Run  ;  but,  not  having  been  "  exchanged," 
he  did  not  assume  command  of  D  Company  until  early  in 
October. 

Another  of  the  efficient  officers  of  the  regiment  in  its  early 
history,  was  Captain  E.  A.  Hartshorn.  He  was  prostrated 
with  fever  before  we  left  camp.  He  was  moved  first  to  an 
improvised  hospital  in  Centreville,  thence  was  hurried  to  the 
officers'  hospital  at  Georgetown^  and,  while  he  was  able  sub 
sequently  to  return  to  the  regiment,  his  health  had  become 


8o 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 


so  impaired  that  he  was  compelled  to  resign,  and  was  hon 
orably  discharged  on  surgeon's  certificate  of  disability. 
Previous  to  the  war  Captain  Hartshorn  displayed  at  an  early 
age  unusual  intellectual  ability.  When  only  nineteen  years 
of  age  he  was  a  successful  teacher.  The  war  developed  his 
earnest  patriotism.  On  the  loth  of  July,  1862,  he  received 
recruiting  orders  from  Governor  E.  D.  Morgan,  and  entered 
with  great  zest  upon  the  work  of  enlisting  a  company,  being 


CAPTAIN    E.    A.    HARTSHORN. 


seconded  in  his  efforts  by  Honorable  Martin  I.  Townsend 
and  other  prominent  citizens  of  Troy.  He  enlisted  the  first 
men  for  the  regiment  then  forming.  His  promotion  from 
lieutenant  to  captain  was  cordially  favored  by  Colonel  George 
L.  Willard,  who  wrote  to  General  Hillhouse  as  follows  :  "  A 
sense  of  justice  governs  me  in  this  recommendation.  It  is 
due  to  Lieutenant  Hartshorn  to  say  that  his  energy  and  zeal 
in  the  performance  of  his  duties  since  the  organization  of  the 
regiment,  and  particularly  during  the  very  trying  march  from 
Harper's  Ferry  to  Annapolis,  command  my  unqualified  ap- 


IN   CAMP   AT   CEXTREVILLE.  8 1 

probation.  He  is  the  senior  first  lieutenant  in  the  regiment 
and  worthy  of  the  promotion,  and  I  hope  he  will  receive  it." 
Since  the  war  he  has  been  a  resident  chiefly  in  Troy,  New 
York,  and  engaged  in  the  flax-spinning  business.  He  is  at 
the  present  writing  a  member  of  John  A.  Griswold  Post  338, 
G.  A.  R.,  an  active  member  of  the  State  street  M.  E.  Church, 
and  connected  with  the  famous  Troy  Praying  Band.  He  is 
a  trustee  of  the  Round  Lake  Association,  and  one  of  the 
managers  of  the  American  Protective  Tariff  League,  a 
National  organization  for  the  protection  of  the  industries  of 
the  country.  He  has  written  several  books  in  defense  of  the 


CHAPLAIN    JOSKI'IL    L.    BARLOW. 

protective  system,  entitled  "Wages,  Living,  and  Tariff"  and 
"  Industrial  Miscellany." 

The  regiment  had  lost  up  to  the  last  of  June,  1863,  a  dis- 
couragingly  large  number  of  its  original  roll  of  officers. 
But,  the  loss  was  compensated  for  by  the  excellent  material 
promoted  from  the  ranks,  and  coming  through  outside  ap 
pointment.  Including  those  already  mentioned,  from  us  had 
gone,  in  various  ways,  Major  James  C.  Bush,  Quartermaster 
L.  C.  Ball,  Chaplain  Joseph  L.  Barlow,  Assistant-Surgeon 
Abijah  G.  Benedict,  Captains  Dudley  E.  Cornell,  F.  C.  Es- 


82        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWKXTV-FIKTII  N.  V.  S.  VOLS. 

mond,  Wm.  Dimond  and  J.  V.  W.  Vandenburgh;  Lieuten 
ants  Charles  H.  Taylor,  Calvin  Bush,  Archibald  Buchanan, 
Charles  A.  Pickett,  David  Comiskey,  Patrick  Garden  (who  is 
now  a  Presbyterian  clergyman,  and  is  located  in  California,) 
Egbert  Jolls,  David  Hagadorn,  Edward  Fink  and  McGregor 
Steele.  Most  of  the  men  who  were  promoted  to  fill  vacan 
cies  proved  to  be  brave,  competent  men  ;  and  the  two  who 
came  to  the  regiment  by  outside  appointment — Benjamin  R. 


LIEUTENANT    DAVID    HAGADORN. 

Townsend  and  Egbert  B.  Hull,  made  a  most  commendable 
record — the  latter  of  the  two  laying  down  his  life  for  his 
country.  These  two,  as  well  as  other  officers,  will  be  further 
noticed. 

It  is  due  to  one  who  left  the  regiment  "  under  a  cloud  " 
that  the  record  should  be  brightened  by  facts  subsequently 
made  plain.  The  officer,  to  whom  Colonel  George  L.  Wil- 
lard  was  a  true  friend,  was  Captain  John  Van  Wort  Vanden- 
burg,  who,  of  all  our  officers,  excepting  Colonel  Willard  and 


IX   CAMP   AT   CENTREVILLE.  83 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Crandell,  was,  at  the  outset  of  the  regi 
ment's  history,  best  versed  in  military  affairs.  Born  at 
Schuylerville,  New  York,  March  25,  1833,  and  granted  the 
opportunity  of  acquiring  a  fair  education  ;  then  learning  the 
carpenter's  trade  and  becoming  a  master-builder ;  subse 
quently  entering  the  hardware  business ;  he,  in  addition, 
became — even  before  the  war,  interested  in  military  affairs, 
and  organized  in  1856  a  company  which  he  named  "The 
Black  Plumed  Rifles."  In  1858  this  company  was  reorgan 
ized  and  called  "  The  Ellsworth  Zouaves."  Captain  Van- 
denburgh  was  drilled  by  the  celebrated  Colonel  E.  E. 


CAPTAIN    WILLIAM    DIMOND. 

Ellsworth,  and  was  considered  at  the  time  the  best  drilled 
officer  in  the  New  York  State  Militia.  In  the  month  of  July, 
1862,  he  gave  up  his  hardware  business  and  in  ten  days 
enlisted  a  company  of  one  hundred  men  for  the  war.  This 
company  became  K  Company  of  the  One  Hundred  and 
Twenty-fifth  Regiment.  He  was  with  the  regiment  at 
Martinsburg,  Harper's  Ferry,  on  the  march  to  Annapolis,  in 
its  transfer  to  Chicago,  and  return  to  Washington,  D.  C.  On 
December  23d,  he  was  granted  a  sick-leave  for  thirty  days. 
At  Still  water,  N.  Y.,  he  received  a  furlough  on  doctor's  cer- 


84        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

tificate  for  twenty  days,  which  was  renewed  for  twenty  days 
more.  This  last  extension  he  claimed  was  lost  in  the  mails. 
Returning  to  Washington,  still  sick,  he  reported  at  General 
Hospital,  and  was  placed  on  detached  duty.  While  on  such 
duty  he  was  dismissed  the  service  for  "  absence  without 
leave."  After  vexatious  delays,  upon  a  hearing,  his  disability 
was  removed  by  special  order  of  the  President,  dated  Sep 
tember  25th,  1863  ;  and  he  was  re-commissioned  captain,  and 
subsequently  was  promoted  to  be  major,  but  did  not  muster. 
Later  he  was  appointed  A.  A.  Q.  M.,  by  President  Lincoln, 
with  pay  and  emoluments  of  a  major  of  cavalry.  Later  still, 
he  was  associated  with  Major-General  O.  O.  Howard  in  the 
"  Bureau  of  Refugees,  Freedmen  and  Abandoned  Lands," 
remaining  in  this  service  until  April,  1868.  He  then  entered 
upon  the  business  of  a  contractor,  in  Washington,  D.  C.  He 
still  continues  in  this  occupation,  having  served  also  for  years 
as  senior  aid,  with  rank  of  colonel,  on  the  staff  of  Henry  D. 
Cook,  while  Governor  of  the  District  of  Columbia. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


GETTYSBURG — FIRST   DAY. 


A   FTER  Centreville,  the  regiment  entered  upon  its  history 
-^~~*-     of  conflicts  to  be  continued  to  the  end  of  the  war. 

The  order  to  march  was  published  on  the  24th  of  June. 
The  next  day  we  broke  camp  and  joined  the  Second  Army 
Corps  at  Gum  Springs,  Virginia.  The  One  Hundred  and 
Twenty-fifth  Regiment,  with  the  Thirty-ninth,  One  Hundred 
and  Eleventh,  and  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-sixth  New 
York  Volunteers,  stationed  together  at  Centreville,  now 


•it 


--HOEY 


BADGE  OF  SECOND  ARMY  CORPS. 

formed  the  Third  Division,  Second  Army  Corps.  General 
Walker,  in  his  History  of  the  Second  Corps,  writing  of  the 
bivouac  of  the  corps  at  Gum  Springs,  records  : 

"  Here  joined,  for  the  first  time,  a  body  of  troops  destined 
to  bear  a  conspicuous  share  in  all  the  future  labors  and 
dangers  of  the  Second  Corps,  from  the  fast  approaching 
conflict  on  the  bloody  slopes  of  Gettysburg  to  the  final 
triumph  of  April,  1865.  This  was  the  brigade  commanded 


86        ONE  HUNDRED  AND    TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  YOLS. 

by  the  dashing  Alexander  Hays,  General  Hays  had  been 
colonel  of  the  Sixty-third  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  and,  as 
such,  had  greatly  distinguished  himself  on  the  Peninsula.'* 
"  On  joining  the  Second  Corps,  Hays  took  command  of  the 
Third  Division,  the  conduct  of  his  brigade  devolving  upon 
Colonel  Willard."  Lieutenant-Colonel  Crandell  was  now 
placed  in  full  command  of  the  regiment. 

Chamber  abwrg  i 


JL^Ji.  Roittu  of  the, 
Respective  Corp*. 


MARCH    OF   THE   UNION    ARMY   TO    GETTYSBURG. 

On  Friday,  June  26th,  we  crossed  the  Potomac  at  Edward's 
Ferry  and  went  into  camp  the  next  morning.  From  thence 
we  marched,  June  2/th,  to  Sugar  Loaf  Mountain,  Maryland, 
and  here  bivouacked  for  the  night.  Sunday  night,  the  28th, 
found  us  at  Monocacy.  On  Monday,  June  2Qth,  we  made 
one  of  the  severest  marches  of  our  entire  term  of  service. 
The  army  seldom  made  a  longer  march  in  a  single  day:  from 
Monocacy  to  Liberty — to  Johnsville — to  Union  Bridge— to 
Uniontown,  Maryland,  a  distance  of  thirty-three  miles. 


GETTYSBURG.  8/ 

There  was  no  halting  for  meals.  No  coffee  was  cooked  that 
day.  Ere  the  camp  was  reached  men  fell  out  on  the  way  by 
hundreds.  When  far  into  the  night  the  head  of  the  column 
halted  at  the  appointed  place,  only  a  handful  lay  down  to 
rest — to  sleep,  regardless  of  the  rain  which  fell  on  our  uncov 
ered  faces.  The  next  day  was  devoted  to  rest  and  to 
mustering  the  corps. 

Another  day's  march,  via  Taneytown,  brought  us  within  a 
short  distance  of  Gettysburg.  While  halted  for  the  night  of 
July  ist,  some  of  us  learned  for  the  first  time  of  the  new 


GENERAL   GEORGE   G.    MEADE. 


change  of  army  commanders.  A  strange  report  was  circu 
lated,  that  General  McClellan  was  again  at  the  head  of  the 
army.  This  proved  a  mistake.  A  better  than  he  had  been 
advanced  to  a  position  which  he  retained  with  credit  to  him 
self  and  advantage  to  the  army  and  honor  to  the  country,  to 
the  close  of  the  war.  He  possessed  the  quiet  and  steadfast 
confidence  of  the  men  throughout  all  of  his  leadership.  The 
transfer  of  command  from  General  Hooker  to  General  George 
G.  Meade  took  place  on  the  28th  of  June. 

It  is  not  needful  to  trace  the  steps  of  General  Lee  in  all  his 
movements,  which  brought  a  part  of  his  force  as  far  north 
and  east  as  Carlisle  and  York.  He  was  preparing  to  cross 


88        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

the  Susquehanna  at  Harrisburg,  where,  in  waiting  to  meet 
the  threatened  advance,  was,  among  other  troops,  the  23d 
New  York  Militia.  The  rebel  cavalry  had  been  sent  on  a 
flying  expedition  around  the  Union  rear.  It  wrought  some 
mischief,  capturing — as  we  have  seen — Captain  William  D. 
Taylor  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth,  seizing  prop 
erty,  encountering  the  Union  cavalry,  under  Kilpatrick,  at 
Hanover ;  but,  depriving  General  Lee  of  most  valuable  aid. 
This  general,  learning  of  the  crossing  of  the  Potomac  by  the 
Union  army,  changed  his  plans,  and  ordered  an  immediate 
concentration  of  his  forces  at  Gettysburg.  The  larger  part 
of  his  army  was  within  easy  march  of  this  place. 

The  Army  of  the  Potomac,  as  it  rested  the  night  before 
one  of  the  greatest  of  its  many  important  battles,  was  well 
placed,  in  view  of  the  defensive  purpose  it  was  serving,  but 
not  in  good  shape  for  a  battle  at  Gettysburg.  It  was  arranged 
to  cover  Baltimore  and  Washington,  being  spread  out  in  fan- 
like  form,  with  the  handle  at  the  Capital.  The  defensive 
policy  principally  ruled. 

On  the  morning  of  July  1st,  the  rebel  army  was  in  near 
vicinity  of  Gettysburg.  The  Union  army  was  widely 
separated.  The  First  Corps  was  at  Marsh  Run,  on  the 
Emmettsburg  road,  four  miles  from  Gettysburg.  The  Elev 
enth  Corps  was  at  Emmettsburg ;  the  Twelfth,  at  Littlestown  ; 
the  Fifth,  at  Union  Mills ;  the  Second,  at  Uniontown  ;  and 
the  Third,  at  Bridgeport ;  while  the  Sixth  was  at  Manchester, 
thirty-four  miles  distant.  Meade  was  at  Taneytown.  The 
line,  described  by  the  position  of  our  troops  had  a  base-line 
of  some  twenty-five  miles.  Our  army  was  divided  into  seven 
corps ;  the  rebel  army,  into  three.  Only  three  of  our  seven 
corps  were  in  easy  reach  of  Gettysburg ;  and,  only  one  close 
enough  to  dispute  the  immediate  occupation  of  the  place  by 
the  enemy. 

It  is  very  difficult  to  determine  the  number  of  the  forces 
on  either  side,  at  the  opening  of  the  great  crisis  battle  of  the 
war.  The  Count  of  Paris,  an  outside  judge,  gives  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac  82,000  men  and  300  guns  ;  the  Army  of 


(.KTTYSllUKd. 


89 


Northern  Virginia  73,000  men  and  190  guns.  In  the  battle, 
at  the  time  of  severest  cannonading,  only  80  Union  guns 
were  brought  to  bear  upon  the  enemy,  against  138  used  by 
the  latter.  The  lay  of  the  ground  favored  a  larger  use  of 
artillery  on  their  part.  General  Henry  J.  Hunt  writes  that : 


POSITION    1tV    rillt    AP.MY    OF    TUB   POTOMAC,    JL'LT    1. 

"The  last  Confederate  return  was  for  May  3ist,  showing 
'  Present  for  duty,  under  arms/  59,484,  infantry.  The  morn 
ing  report  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  for  June  3Oth,  shows 
*  Present  for  duty,  equipped/  77,208,  infantry.  Neither 
return  is  worth  much  except  as  a  basis  for  guessing.  The  long 
marches,  followed  by  the  forced  ones  of  July  1-2,  of  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac,  left  thousands  of  stragglers  on  the 


go     ONE   HUNDRED   AND    TWENTY-FIFTH   N.   Y.    S.  VOLS. 

roads.  These  totals  are  of  little  importance ;  they  would 
have  been  of  some  significance  had  the  larger  army  been  de 
feated  ;  but  it  was  not.  At  the  *  points  of  contact '  the  Con 
federates  were  almost  always  the  stronger." 

Neither  did  General  Lee  nor  General  Meade  purpose  at 
the  outset  to  join  battle  at  Gettysburg.  This  was  forced 
upon  them  by  unforseen  conditions.  General  Meade  had  al 
ready  contemplated  and  in  part  arranged  for  a  defensive  line 
at  Pipe  Creek,  some  fifteen  miles  southeast  of  Gettysburg. 
General  Lee,  in  his  official  report,  declared :  "  It  had  not 
been  intended  to  fight  a  general  battle  at  such  a  distance 
from  our  base  ;  but  finding  ourselves  unexpectedly  con 
fronted  by  the  Federal  army,  it  became  a  matter  of  diffi 
culty  to  withdraw  through  the  mountains  with  our  large 
trains.  A  battle  thus  became  in  a  measure  unavoidable." 
The  whole  plan  of  his  movement  northward,  while  offensive 
in  general,  was  designed  to  be  defensive. 

Yet  the  field  which  became  honored  as  but  few  fields  have 
been  honored,  as  the  scene  of  a  great  historic  struggle,  was 
peculiarly  fitted  for  a  great  battle.  Some  one  has  remarked 
that  Providence  seems  to  have  shaped  the  ground  for  a  great, 
decisive  struggle.  Certainly  the  finger  of  Providence  pointed 
to  it ;  and  His  plan,  not  man's  purpose,  was  carried  out,  in 
here  bringing  together  the  opposing  forces.  The  first  man 
who  formed  a  definite  purpose  and  took  decisive  action  that 
compelled  the  fight  at  Gettysburg,  was  General  Pleasanton, 
in  command  of  the  Union  Cavalry.  With  his  purpose  con 
curred  General  John  F.  Reynolds,  in  command  of  the  First 
Corps — one  of  the  ablest  and  bravest  of  the  Union  officers. 
He  determined  to  bring  on  a  battle  by  seeking  to  hold  the 
place. 

The  field  of  operations  may  well  be  described.  There 
are  three  roads,  from  a  southerly  direction,  centering  at  Get 
tysburg.  The  most  easterly  of  the  three  is  Baltimore  pike ; 
the  most  westerly,  the  Emmetsburg  road  ;  and  between  the 
two,  running  due  north,  is  the  Taneytown  road.  As  they 
converge  at  Gettysburg  they  form  a  wedge-shaped  line,  with 


GETTYSBURG. 


the  Taneytown  road  running  through  the  centre  of  the 
wedge.  These  roads  were  in  our  possession  ;  the  Emmetts- 
burg  and  the  Taneytown  forming  our  line  of  approach.  Ap 
proaching  Gettysburg  from  the  west,  northwest,  north,  and 
northeast,  are — in  the  above  order — Fairfield  road  and 
Chambersburg  pike,  Mummasburg  road,  Carlisle  road,  and 
York  pike.  These  roads  were  occupied  by  the  rebels.  There 


UNION   POSITION    AT   GETTYSBURG. 


are  two  streams  of  water,  one  to  the  east  and  the  other  to 
the  west :  the  former  called  Rock  Creek,  and  the  other  Wil- 
loughby  Run.  These  two  streams  bounded  almost  the  en 
tire  field  of  battle.  Moving  up  the  Taneytown  road,  to  the 
left,  on  the  west,  are  Big  Round  Top  and  Little  Round  Top. 
Reaching  Cemetery  Hill,  on  a  continuance  of  the  Taneytown 
road,  one  looks  down  on  Gettysburg — to  the  north.  To  the 
right  and  east  of  Cemetery  Hill  lies  Gulp's  Hill.  Turning 


92      ONE   HUNDRED   AND   TWENTY-FIFTH   N.    Y.    S.   VOLS. 

the  face  to  the  left  and  west  is  to  be  seen  the  wooded  knoll 
known  as  Seminary  Ridge,  at  the  northern  part  of  which  is 
the  Lutheran  Seminary,  after  which  the  ridge  is  named. 
This  ridge  is  distant  from  Cemetery  Hill  about  a  mile.  Be 
yond  Seminary  Ridge,  to  the  west,  is  still  another  known 
as  McPherson  Ridge,  which  passes  and  slopes,  to  the  left  of 
Chambersburg  pike,  through  woods  to  a  secondary  ridge 
which  descends  to  Willoughby  Run.  Running  parallel  with 
Chambersburg  pike — and  to  the  right  of  this — was  then  an 
unfinished  railroad  cut.  Returning  to  Cemetery  Hill,  and 
turning  the  face  southward,  with  back  to  Gettysburg,  can  be 
.seen  the  Round  Tops,  passed  m  moving  along  the  Taney- 
town  road.  Drawing  a  line  from  the  Round  Tops  to  Cem- 
•etery  Hill,  a  distance  of  three  miles,  and  we  have  the  shaft  of 
a  fishhook ;  continuing  the  line  around  Cemetery  Hill  on 
ward  and  around  Gulp's  Hill  and  a  complete  fishhook  is  de 
scribed,  in  the  rear  of  the  extreme  point  of  which  and  at  a 
short  distance  is  Powers'  Hill.  The  entire  line  from  the 
Round  Tops  around  to  the  extreme  point  of  Gulp's  Hill  is 
about  four  miles  long.  This  was  for  the  most  part  the  main 
Union  line  on  the  second  and  third  days  of  the  battle.  The 
Emmettsburg  road  runs  in  an  oblique  direction,  between 
Seminary  Ridge  and  the  shaft  of  the  fishhook,  nearing  Cem 
etery  Hill  as  it  nears  Gettysburg;  and  the  road  rests  on 
ground  somewhat  elevated  above  that  part  of  the  Union 
line  which  ran  between  the  Round  Tops  and  Cemetery  Hill. 
The  low  ground  of  the  Union  line  was  its  one  weak  part. 

Not  surprising  is  it  that  a  zealous  dispute  should  have 
continued  through  a  score  of  years  as  to  the  chief  honor  of 
selecting  such  a  field  for  the  Union  army.  Congress  cast 
into  General  O.  O.  Howard's  scales  its  understanding  of  the 
merit,  in  a  resolution  of  thanks  tendered  that  Christian 
soldier.  He  relates  that  when  he  reached  the  field  and 
glanced  over  it,  he  voiced  his  purpose  in  these  words  :  "  God 
helping  us,  we  will  stay  here  till  the  army  comes.:>  Being  in 
advance  of  his  corps,  he  rode  with  his  staff  to  Cemetery  Hill 
and  was  impressed  at  once  with  the  advantage  of  this  posi- 


GETTYSBURG.  93 

tion ;  and,  turning  to  the  corps'  adjutant,  he  remarked: 

"This  seems  to  be  a  good  position,  Colonel,"  to  which  the 
response  was  made  : 

"  It  is  the  only  position,  General." 

But  President  Lincoln  when  approached  on  the  subject  of 
the  chief  honor  of  selecting  the  field,  dismissed  it  with  char 
acteristic  words  :  "  There  is  glory  enough  to  go  all  around." 

Coming  now  directly  to  the  battle :  on  the  night  of  June 
3Oth,  General  Pleasanton  led  his  cavalry  through  Gettysburg, 
to  the  west,  out  on  the  Chambersburg  pike  towards  Cash- 
town.  General  Bu ford's  men  were  in  the  advance.  Between 
eight  and  nine  o'clock  of  Wednesday,  July  1st,  1863,  Heth's 
Division  of  Hill's  Corps  of  the  rebel  army,  on  the  Chambers- 
burg  pike,  took  up  the  line  of  march  for  Gettysburg.  But 
it  found  itself  confronted  by  a  line  of  skirmishers,  a  mile  or 
more  beyond  Gettysburg.  Three  Union  signal  guns  sounded 
the  order  to  the  skirmishers  to  commence  firing,  and  the 
battle  was  fairly  opened.  The  enemy  immediately  formed 
in  double  line  of  battle  with  a  two'brigade  front.  The  Union 
videttes  were  driven  back  to  Willoughby  Run,  where,  on  a 
ridge  to  the  east  of  the  Run,  the  cavalry  were  dismounted. 
The  fighting  of  the  first  day  was  destined  to  take  place 
beyond  Gettysburg — to  west  and  north  and  outside  of  what 
has  been  already  described  as  the  line  for  the  second  and 
third  day.  Between  one  and  two  hours  the  struggle  con 
tinues  between  a  part  of  our  cavalry  force — consisting  at  this 
point  of  a  single  brigade  against  the  advancing  lines  and 
column  of  the  Confederate  army.  General  Buford  becomes 
anxious.  He  makes  his  way  to  the  Lutheran  Seminary  in 
his  rear,  and  ascends  the  cupola  (a  place  which  the  visitor 
now  seeking  a  view  of  the  field  will  not  fail  to  visit,  if  the 
writer's  advice  is  heeded,)  to  see  whether  our  infantry  are 
near.  While  there  he  was  joined  by  General  Reynolds,  who, 
at  the  sound  of  firing,  has  hurried  forward  in  advance  of  his. 
corps ;  and  who,  with  Buford,  now  makes  a  quick  survey  of 
the  ground.  The  one  brigade  of  cavalry  is  being  pressed 
back;  the  other  brigade  has  been  posted  to  the  north  to 


94    ONE    HUNDRED   AND   TWENTY-FIFTH    N.    Y.    S.    VOLS- 

cover  the  approach  of  the  town  against  the  rebels  advancing 
from  that  direction.  General  Doubleday  has  been  placed  by 
General  Reynolds  in  command  of  the  First  Corps  while  he 
assumes  the  general  direction  of  the  forces. 

The  advance  of  the  First  Corps  now  hurries  up  the 
Emmettsburg  road,  and  from  column  is  brought  by  the  left 
flank  into  line  of  battle  and  presses  through  the  woods  and 
over  Seminary  Ridge,  and  is  placed  to  left  and  right  of  the 
Chambersburg  road,  with  a  battery  on  the  road.  The  first 
infantry  blows  are  now  struck.  The  rebels  advanced  with 
Archer's  brigade  to  the  right  (advancing)  of  the  Chambers- 
burg  pike,  and  Davis'  brigade  to  the  left,  supported  by  twTo 
other  brigades.  On  our  right  the  Union  forces  are  struck  in 
front  and  flank  and  give  way ;  but  only  momentarily,  for  the 
rebel  force  at  this  point  now  occupying  the  railroad-cut  is  in 
turn  assailed  by  our  troops,  changing  front  for  the  purpose, 
and  bringing  a  force  on  their  left  flank  in  the  cut :  thus 
driving  Davis  from  the  field  with  a  loss  of  all  of  his  field- 
officers  save  two,  and  a  large  part  of  his  men  in  killed, 
wounded  and  captured.  The  first  stage  of  the  battle  was  on 
the  Union  side. 

Archer's  men  had  crossed  Willoughby  Run  and  were  now 
through  the  woods  on  the  McPherson  Ridge.  General  Rey 
nolds  saw  the  importance  of  the  position  and  rode  forward 
to  direct  and  inspire  the  men  ;  and  while  looking  back  to 
note  their  advance  and  pointing  toward  the  ground  to  be  ta 
ken  a  rebel  bullet  pierced  his  brain  and  he  fell  dead  to  the 
ground.  Meredith's  Iron  Brigade  pressed  to  the  assault,  and 
struck  Archer's  brigade  in  flank  and  front,  routiug  this  and 
capturing  its  commander  with  a  large  part  of  his  force,  and 
driving  the  remainder  across  Willoughby  Run.  The  second 
point  scored  was  on  the  Union  side. 

Wadsworth's  small  division  had  rendered  most  gallant  ser 
vice.  For  the  time  the  front  was  cleared'  and  the  Union 
troops  formed  on  McPherson  Ridge  and  in  the  woods  ;  while 
the  rebels  formed  on  the  ground  west  of  Willoughby  Run, 
and  largely  south  of  Chambersburg  pike,  placing  in  position 


GETTYSBURG.  95 

nine  batteries  and  arranging  a  double  line  formed  of  Heth's 
and  Fender's  divisions.  The  assault  on  their  part  was  to  be 
renewed.  On  our  side,  at  this  time,  were  only  four  small 
infantry  brigades.  On  their  side  were  present  eight  large 
brigades,  with  other  forces  near  at  hand.  But  there  was  no 
disposition  on  the  part  of  the  Union  forces  to  give  way. 
Colonel  Roy  Stone,  one  of  our  brigade  commanders,  voiced 
the  sentiments  of  our  men  in  the  memorable  words :  "  We 
have  come  to  stay."  The  next  advance  of  the  rebels  was 
meant  to  be  decisive. 

The  remaining  two  divisions,  of  two  brigades  each,  of  the 
First  Corps,  arrived  on  the  field  at  eleven  o'clock.  One 
division  was  thrown  to  the  front,  and  Robinson's  division 
was  halted  near  Seminary  Ridge.  About  noon,  General 
Howard  rode  upon  the  ground ;  and,  learning  of  General 
Reynold's  death,  he,  as  ranking  officer,  assumed  general 
direction,  placing  General  Carl  Schurz  in  command  of  the 
Eleventh  Corps.  At  12.45  p.  M.  the  head  of  the  Eleventh 
Corps  entered  Gettysburg,  and  the  rear  of  the  column  was 
on  hand  an  hour  later.  Two  divisions  were  made  to  prolong 
the  line  to  the  right  of  the  First  Corps,  while  the  other 
division,  under  Steinwehr,  with  two  batteries,  was  placed 
on  Cemetery  Hill. 

Buford  now  reported  that  Swell's  forces  were  approaching 
from  the  north.  Shimmelpfennig's  and  Barlow's  divisions  of 
the  Eleventh  Corps — together  only  6000  strong — were  placed 
in  the  open  field  in  a  long,  thin  line,  leaving  a  break  between 
this  Corps  and  the  First,  the  open  space  being  protected  by 
two  batteries.  Ewell's  men,  under  Rodes,  advancing  along 
either  side  of  the  prolongation  of  Seminary  Ridge,  occupied 
Oak  Hill,  which  commanded  the  line  of  the  First  Corps. 
An  artillery  fire  was  opened  at  once  on  the  Union  line,  that 
caused  a  withdrawal  of  a  part  of  this  to  Seminary  Ridge. 
The  movements  of  the  Union  troops,  rendered  necessary  by 
the  new  emergency,  led  to  an  assault  by  a  portion  of  Rodes' 
forces  occupying  Oak  Hill ;  with  the  result,  that  the  rebels 
lost  five  hundred  men  killed  and  wounded,  and  three  of  their 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 


regiments — aggregating  a  thousand  men — with  their  colors 
were  captured.  This  occurred  at  2.30  P.  M.  The  third  point 
in  the  battle  was  favorable  to  the  Union  troops. 

While  the  fighting  was  in  progress,  one  of  the  citizens  of 
Gettysburg,  an  old  man  seventy  years  of  age,  by  the  name  of 
John  L.  Burns,  approached  Colonel  Wistar  and  volunteered 
to  fight.  The  Colonel  sought  to  persuade  him  to  fight 


F7rr^s?~Tr"^3 

3SIi 


JOHN   L.    BURNS. 

apart  from  the  men,  but  he  insisted  on  joining  the  ranks  ;  and 
in  the  height  of  the  battle  he  was  wounded  in  three  places, 
but  survived,  to  be  honored  for  his  patriotism  and  valor. 

At  four  o'clock  the  rebel  line  was  strong  to  west  of  Wil- 
loughby  Run,  overlapping  for  a  long  distance  our  left  flank. 
It  extended  in  force  across  the  prolongation  of  Seminary 
Ridge  at  Oak  Hill ;  and  swept  northward  and  eastward,, 


GETTYSBURG.  97 

where  was  now  Early's  division  of  Swell's  Corps,  that  had 
hastened  forward  on  the  York  road.  Two-thirds  of  the  rebel 
army  was  present  in  force  against  less  than  one-fourth  of  the 
Union  army.  To  left  and  right,  the  thin  Union  line  was 
outflanked,  and  its  centre  was  open,  save  as  two  batteries  of 
artillery  covered  with  their  fire  the  ground. 

Now  followed  a  general  assault  by  the  rebels.  The  fight 
ing  was  desperate.  Stubbornly  did  our  forces  contest  the 
ground,  but  were  compelled  to  give  way.  On  the  right 
General  Barlow  was  severely  wounded  ;  and  the  Eleventh 
Corps  falls  back — not  in  a  panic-stricken  rout  as  at  Chancel- 
lorsville.  They  are  pressed  into  the  streets  of  Gettysburg,. 


GENERAL    W.    S.     HANCOCK. 

where  they  are  taken  in  flank  and  a  large  number  are  cap 
tured.  The  First  Corps,  on  the  left,  yields  reluctantly  its 
last  position  on  Seminary  Ridge,  and  then,  in  good  order, 
reaches  Cemetery  Hill :  while  the  Union  cavalry — under 
General  Buford — plant  themselves  at  this  point  in  solid 
phalanx  on  the  open  field  between  the  two  lines.  In  illus 
tration  of  the  manner  of  the  falling  back  is  the  fact,  that  only 
one  gun  was  lost  by  the  First  Corps ;  and  only  one,  a  disa 
bled  piece,  by  the  Eleventh. 

At  half-past  four  o'clock  General  W.   S.  Hancock,  Com 
mander  of  the  Second  Corps,  rode  upon  the  field.     He  had 


98         ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

been  sent  forward  by  General  Meade,  when  the  word  of 
fighting  at  Gettysburg  reached  him  at  Taneytown,  to  assume 
charge  of  the  forces  at  the  front,  and  to  report  to  Army 
Headquarters  of  the  advisability  of  fighting  a  general  battle 
on  the  ground  occupied  by  our  men  at  Gettysburg.  The 
Union  troops  were  in  retreat  to  Cemetery  Hill  when  General 
Hancock  appeared  on  the  scene.  Some  of  the  men  were 
hurrying  back  along  the  Baltimore  pike.  But  it  was  not  a 
panic  that  greeted  him.  The  men  were  soon  in  good  line. 
A  part  of  the  Twelfth  Corps,  reaching  the  front,  was  sent  to 
the  right  to  Gulp's  Hill.  It  was  a  masterly  and  timely  stroke. 
For  against  that  point  Swell's  forces  were  moving,  with  the 
direction,  but  not  the  positive  orders,  of  General  Lee  to 
occupy  it.  Ewell,  finding  the  Union  forces  in  position, 
failed  to  assault. 

That  was  undoubtedly  the  first  fatal  mistake  made  by  the 
rebels  in  the  battle.  So  small  was  our  force  after  the  losses 
of  the  day,  which  had  embraced  nearly  two-thirds  of  the  six 
teen  thousand  Union  troops,  leaving  only  about  six  thousand 
all  told,  that,  if  Lee  had  followed  up  the  success  of  his  last 
assault  (which  he  had  personally  witnessed)  the  result  is 
scarcely  doubtful.  General  Lee  gives  as  the  reason  why  he 
did  not  order  Ewell  to  follow  up  the  success  of  the  day,  that 
from  prisoners  he  had  learned  of  the  approach  of  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac,  and  so  only  directed,  but  did  not  command, 
that  Gulp's  Hill  be  occupied.  Pollard,  a  Southern  writer, 
declares  this  to  have  been  "  the  fatal  mistake  of  the  cam 
paign,"  By  six  o'clock  the  larger  part  of  the  Third  Corps 
and  all  of  the  Twelfth  Corps  were  on  the  ground  ;  and,  night 
coming  on,  the  danger  passed. 

General  Hancock,  who  had  passed  our  regiment  as  he 
hurried  to  the  front,  and  whom  we  then  for  the  first  time 
met,  turned  his  horse  to  the  rear,  as  soon  as  the  line  had 
been  established  on  Cemetery  and  Gulp's  Hill ;  and  after 
he  had  located  a  part  of  the  newly  arriving  troops  on  Little 
Round  Top.  As  soon  as  Meade  learned  of  the  condition  of 
things  at  the  front  he  relinquished  his  plan  of  the  Pipe  creek 


GETTYSBURG.  99 

line,  and  ordered  the  entire  army  to  hurry  forward  to 
Gettysburg. 

That  day  was  a  well-fought  day  on  the  part  of  the  Union 
troops.  A  comparatively  small  force  had  kept  at  bay  a  large 
force  from  early  morning  until  late  afternoon.  It  had  in 
three  distinct  contacts  with  the  foe  routed  them  and  cap 
tured  several  thousand  prisoners.  Time  was  gained  for  the 
concentration  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  Although 
Gettysburg  itself  was  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  the  real 
advantage  of  position  was  on  the  side  of  our  army,  for  the 
great  roads  to  Baltimore  and  Washington,  that  unite  at 
Gettysburg  with  the  roads  to  Chambersburg  and  Carlisle  and 
York,  were  covered  by  our  forces,  and  high  ground  offered 
strong  defense  to  the  Union  troops. 

The  comparative  feeling  and  thought  of  the  commanders 
of  the  opposing  armies  at  the  close  of  this  first  day  of  the 
battle,  and  in  face  of  the  prospect  of  renewed  hostilities  on 
the  morrow,  is  worthy  of  note.  That  first  day's  conflict  wras 
only  preliminary  to  the  real  and  great  struggle  which  inten 
sified  during  the  two  following  days.  But  it  excited  the 
most  ardent  hopes  of  complete  success  in  the  mind  of 
General  Lee.  While  in  Richmond  just  after  the  capture  of 
General  Lee's  army,  the  writer  heard  a  description  of  the 
condition  of  things  in  Gettysburg  the  evening  and  night  of 
that  first  day.  The  account  was  from  the  lips  of  a  gentleman 
who  was  a  professor  in  the  Pennsylvania  College,  and  who 
was  an  eye-witness  of  affairs ;  for  the  college  grounds  formed 
a  part  of  the  battle-field,  and  the  building  was  used  as  a 
hospital.  The  fact  was  told  in  the  temporary  rooms  of  the 
Christian  Commission  in  Richmond.  The  speaker  was  on 
that  memorable  night  brought  in  contact  with  General  Lee, 
and  he  described  him  as  being  greatly  elated,  and  in  the 
highest  spirits,  and  as  freely  expressing  the  belief,  not  only 
of  defeating  the  Union  forces  then,  but  of  following  up  his 
victory  with  a  rapid  march  upon  Baltimore  and  Washington, 
and  of  dictating  terms  of  peace  to  a  prostrate  government. 
The  importance  of  the  battle  was  no  less  than  this  :  a  serious 


100     ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

defeat  to  our  arms  meant — in  all  probability — all  that  Gen 
eral  Lee  hoped  to  gain.  That  General  Meade  so  realized, 
there  is  no  manner  of  question.  To  remember  the  great 
responsibility  of  shielding  the  nation's  capital,  and  thus  of 
covering  what  was  regarded  as  the  heart  of  the  nation,  will 
aid  us  in  understanding  his  solicitude  in  the  battle  and  his 
caution  after  this  was  ended.  But  there  was  no  hesitation, 
and  no  lack  of  confidence.  He  was  prompt  in  decision,  and 
bold  in  action,  justifying  the  confidence  placed  in  him  by 
his  exaltation  to  his  high  command. 


CHAPTER   VIII. 

GETTYSBURG — SECO.N  1)    DAY. 

ABOUT  one  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  July  2d,  General 
Meade  rode  on  the  field  of  Gettysburg.  He  found 
Generals  Howard,  Slocum  and  Sickles  at  the  Cemetery.  He 
questioned  General  Howard  of  the  strength  of  the  position. 
The  response  was  given :  "  I  am  confident  we  can  hold  this 
position."  Whereupon  General  Meade  remarked  :  "  I  am 
glad  to  hear  you  say  so,  for  it  is  too  late  to  leave  it."  The 
die  was  cast ! 

General  Meade  is  described  by  one  who  saw  him  shortly 
after  daylight  as  seeming  "  utterly  worn  out  and  hollow-eyed. 
Anxiety  and  want  of  sleep  were  evidently  telling  on  him." 
But  he  was  nerved  by  energy  and  courage,  and  was  ready  at 
once  to  fight  ;  to  take  the  offensive  and  move  against  the  en 
emy.  Had  he  not  been  overruled  by  his  generals  he  would 
have  promptly  assaulted  the  rebel  force  on  their  left  flank ; 
and  he  even  commenced  to  arrange  for  this.  He  next  pur 
posed  a  charge  on  their  right.  But  he  was  restrained  from 
this  by  the  absence  of  many  of  his  troops.  The  Second 
Corps  and  two  divisions  of  the  Fifth  Corps  under  Sykes,  ar 
rived  about  seven  o'clock  ;  Crawford's  division  of  the  Fifth 
Corps  reached  the  field  about  noon.  Lockwood's  brigade, 
consisting  of  two  regiments  from  Baltimore,  arrived  at  eight 
o'clock  ;  De  Trobriand's  and  Burling's  brigades  of  the  Third 
Corps,  from  Emmettsburg,  at  nine ;  and  the  artillery  re 
serve  came  from  Taneytown,  at  10.30,  A.  M.;  while  the  lar 
gest  corps  of  the  army,  the  Sixth,  under  Sedgwick,  did  not 
reach  the  ground  until  4  P.  M. 


I02s'  Ewp$ED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  V.  S.  VOLS. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  second  day  of  this  great  bat 
tle,  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  was  in  the  line  of 
march  of  the  Second  Corps  moving  upon  the  field.  As  we 
neared  this,  an  ambulance,  with  stretcher  at  side,  turned  out 
of  the  road  into  a  field.  The  stretcher  was  half  covered  with 
blood.  The  sight  awakened  a  sense  of  the  bloody  work  at 
hand.  Be  it  remembered,  that,  although  the  regiment  had 
been  in  service  from  August,  1862,  until  July,  1863,  Harper's 
Ferry  was  its  only  record  of  service,  and  that  was  for  the  most 
part  bloodless.  Moving  up  the  Taneytown  road  we  passed 
Round  Top  and  Little  Round  Top  to  our  left,  and  when 
near  Cemetery  Hill,  we  were  first  halted  to  the  right  of  the 
road.  Afterwards  we  were  taken  to  the  left  of  the  centre  of 
the  main  line,  and  placed  on  the  left  of  Cemetery  Hill,  with 
the  Bryan  house  and  Ziegler's  Grove  to  our  right.  The  bands 
were  playing  down  in  the  field.  This  was  one  of  the  very  few 
times  when  any  music  was  heard  on  battle-field,  save  that 
of  cannon  and  rifle,  of  shot  and  shell.  In  time  of  action  men 
were  needed  for  other  purposes  than  to  make  pleasing  music  ; 
and  the  musicians  were  utilized  "  to  bear  away  the  wounded, 
and  to  cover  up  the  dead." 

To  the  immediate  right  and  left  of  our  position  in  the  line 
were  batteries.  Just  to  the  right  and  north  was  Gettysburg, 
in  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  Off  to  the  northwest,  a  mile  or 
more  away,  was  Gettysburg  Seminary.  In  our  immediate 
front  was  Seminary  Ridge,  covered  with  woods.  The  ground 
directly  in  front  of  us  sloped  down  to  the  Emmettsburg  road, 
running  somewhat  parallel  with  our  line,  and  bordered  with 
fence  on  either  side.  Beyond  the  road,  the  land  stretched 
out  in  fields  to  Seminary  Ridge.  To  our  extreme  left  were 
Little  Round  Top  and  Big  Round  Top.  We  were  in  good 
position  to  see  most  of  the  conflicts  which  followed;  and, 
during  the  progress  of  these,  could  note  the  waving  of  the  sig 
nal  flags  on  Little  Round  Top,  where  was  stationed  a  part 
of  the  signal  corps.  We  were  in  position,  too,  to  have  part 
in  much  of  the  fighting ;  and  at  the  decisive  point  to  aid  in 
bearing  the  brunt  of  the  battle.  To  our  right,  were  the  First, 


GETTYSBURG.  103 

Eleventh  and  Twelfth  Corps ;  to  our  left,  the  Third  Corps. 
The  Sixth  Corps  and  Crawford's  Division  of  the  Fifth  Corps 
were  not  yet  on  the  field.  It  was  a  beautiful  July  morn 
ing.  A  summer  peace  was  in  the  air.  But  the  calm,  the  lull 
in  nature,  only  preceded  the  fiercest  storm  of  conflict,  when 
the  air  should  be  torn  by  the  rough  hands  of  strife  and  be 
hoarse  with  the  voice  of  passion.  At  first,  from  our  position 
the  enemy  could  not  be  seen,  covered  as  they  were  by  the 
woods  and  houses.  The  rumor  passed  among  the  officers 
that  the  enemy  had  retired  ;  but  as  the  morning  lengthened, 
in  the  distance  among  some  brush  behind  a  fence,  men  were 
seen  moving  into  position  as  skirmishers.  The  order  was  given 
for  the  Thirty-ninth  to  move  to  the  front  as  skirmishers. 

And  now  they  pass  down  at  our  right ;  down  into  the  field, 
and  deploy  as  skirmishers.  Brave  fellows — brave  or  stupid, 
which  is  it  ? — there  they  stand  in  open  field,  and  the  crack 
of  rifles  is  heard.  The  rebels  are  down  behind  the  fence  and 
are  sheltered.  "  Drop,  Garibaldis !  "  Yes,  they  did  drop, 
one  after  another,  as  the  bullet  did  its  work.  Some  to  rise 
not  again  ;  and  here  come  some  of  the  .poor  fellows  with 
shattered  jaws  and  maimed  limbs  and  cut  faces. 

And  the  battle  is  opened  anew.  Crack !  Crack !  sounds 
the  skirmish-firing  all  morning ;  and  the  afternoon  is  advan 
cing.  To  immediate  left  of  us  is  a  battery  of  steel  guns ;  to 
immediate  right  of  us,  in  Ziegler's  grove,  is  a  battery  of  brass 
pieces.  But  the  dark  and  bright  lips  are  silent.  It  is  mid- 
afternoon  ;  and  now  from  over  by  the  Seminary  comes  hurtling 
a  shell.  Right  over  our  heads  it  flies ;  and  battery  to  left  re 
plies  with  quick,  sharp  note,  and  its  shell  explodes  amid  the 
smoke  of  the  rebel  gun.  Beautiful  piece  of  artillery  practice, 
that.  "  Boys,  lie  down  !"  The  men  are  on  the  ground  under, 
the  iron  hail  which  now  rattles  over  our  heads.  The  time  ? 
Three  o'clock,  as  the  first  shot  from  artillery  is  fired.  How 
long  the  time  seems !  But  it  is  only  an  hour ;  and  the  fire 
slackens. 

And  now  off  in  the  woods  to  our  left,  and  west  of  Em- 
mettsburg  road,  the  skirmishers  are  at  it.  How  the  woods 


104      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  V.  S.  VOLS. 

roar  with  the  musketry,  and  now  with  the  hurrahs  of  the 
Union  soldiers  and  the  yells  of  the  rebels !  They  have 
struck  our  line  at  Peach  Orchard  ;  they  sweep  beyond  it  to 
wards  Round  Top.  Artillery  is  pouring  flank  fire  along  Em- 
mettsburg  road,  and  along  the  line  leading  at  right  angle. 
Surely  our  men  will  not  stand  it ;  they  could  not  stand  it. 
No  defences  here.  They  are  taking  the  fire  with  uncovered 
breasts  and  sides.  The  former  they  can  endure,  but  the 
flank  fire,  not.  Our  men  have  yielded  the  angle,  and  the 
rebels  pour  in.  Now  among  the  rocks  of  Devil's  Den,  how 
they  fight — one  side  and  the  other !  Out  here,  to  the  north 


DEVIL'S  DEN. 

of  the  Den,  is  a  field  of  wheat.  Over  this,  now  to  the  right, 
now  to  the  left,  sweeps  the  bloody  scythe.  How  the  blade 
rings,  rings,  dulled  with  dripping  blood !  Blue  and  gray  fall 
in  the  harvest  of  death.  Up  on  little  Round  Top  General 
Warren  stands  in  plain  sight,  with  signal  corps.  All  day 
long  we  have  seen  the  flags  waving  their  silent  but  forceful 
language.  It  is  5.30  P.  M.,  and  over  an  hour  has  the  noise  of 
battle  sounded,  and  now  General  Warren  mounts  his  horse 
and  is  speeding  down  Round  Top,  for  a  line  of  rebels  has 
been  seen  creeping  under  cover  of  the  trees  towards  the  hill. 
Hurriedly  detaching  the  One  Hundred  and  Fortieth  N.  Y.  V. 
from  Vincent's  brigade,  these  men  with  Hazlett's  battery  are 
led  hurriedly  up  the  hill,  among  rocks  and  stones,  and  barely 


GETTYSUUKG.  105 

reach  the  summit  in  time  to  turn  back  at  point  of  bayonet 
the  rebels  rushing  with  victorious  shouts  up  the  hill.  The 
position,  a  key  of  the  field,  is  saved.  But  Vincent  and  Weed 
and  Hazlett  are  mortally  wounded  or  dead.  Down,  down 
the  hill  the  rebels  are  pressed,  and  the  line  of  battle  is  drawn 
tight  across  the  valley  between  Little  and  Big  Round  Top, 
and  up  the  sides  and  over  the  summits  of  both. 

But,  look !  The  fire  is  creeping  towards  us  along  the  Em- 
mettsburg  road  !  See  in  the  fields  how  the  panting  giants  are 
wrestling !  Their  breath  is  aflame.  Now  one  is  pressed 
back,  and  now  the  other  is  forced  to  knee.  "  Help  !"  and 
down  the  hillside  towards  the  combatants  we  march. 


LITTLE   ROUND   TOP. 

The  sun  is  declining  behind  the  hills  in  the  west.  The  birds 
start  up  and  fly  away,  singing  in  sweet  discord  with  the  hoarse 
music  of  battle.  We  are  down  on  the  bloody  arena.  Back, 
Third  Corps  ;  forward,  the  Second  !  Oh,  it  was  grand  ! — aw 
fully  grand ! — as  with  loud,  brave  cries  we  press  them ;  as 
Barksdale,  in  vain  seeking  to  rally  his  men,  falls ;  as  the  rebel 
line  is  driven  back,  broken  and  scattered.  Blaze  artillery 
from  the  hill  beyond  in  our  faces ;  sting,  like  serpents,  bul 
lets  through  the  air;  but,  as  night  sets  in,  the  living  of  our 
men  rest  in  victory,  as  the  dead  sleep  in  a  triumph  hence 
forth  unbroken  by  the  turmoil  of  earthly  strife. 


106       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  \\  S.  VOLS. 

What  are  these  sounds  to  the  right  of  us,  over  on  East 
Cemetery  Hill,  where  Rickett's  battery  is  posted?  Surely 
the  enemy  has  broken  in.  His  cries  of  success  are  heard. 
The  guns  are  in  his  hands.  And  now  Carroll's  Brigade  from 
our  division  is  sweeping  proudly  and  quickly  to  right  ;  on 
the  double  quick  they  push  forward.  There  is  a  brief  strug 
gle,  and  the  Louisiana  Tigers,  that  have  dashed  up  the  hill 
and  among  our  guns,  are  swept  out  of  existence.  Of  their 
seventeen  hundred,  fourteen  hundred  are  cut  down  by  the 
fire.  Brave  night-charge  was  that.  But  it  was  fatal  to  them. 

Rebel  writers  have  deplored  that  General  Lee  did  not 
carry  out  his  design  of  attacking  in  force  early  on  the  morn 
ing  of  July  2d  ;  as  at  that  time  all  of  his  army,  save  Pickett's 
Division  of  Longstreet's  Corps,  was  on  the  field.  It  was  his 
design  so  to  do —  to  strike  the  extreme  left  of  the  Union 
line.  But  his  plan  miscarried.  General  Longstreet,  who  has 
been  charged  with  the  responsibility  of  not  opening  the  bat 
tle  early  in  the  day,  indignantly  denies  having  received  any 
orders  to  that  effect.  Opposed  as  he  was  to  fighting  at  the 
time  on  the  offensive,  and  remonstrating  against  assaulting 
the  Union  forces,  he  nevertheless  zealously  carried  out  the 
orders  when  issued.  He  declares  that  the  command  to 
charge  the  left  of  our  line  came  to  him  at  eleven,  A.  M. 
What,  with  waiting  for  troops,  in  arranging  these,  and  in 
making  a  slow,  circuitous  path  for  the  purpose  of  conceal 
ment — a  course  rendered  possible  by  the  wooded  nature  of 
Seminary  Ridge— four  hours  passed  ere  his  forces  were  at 
the  appointed  place  and  in  readiness  to  strike.  While  the 
hours  of  the  morning  passed  for  the  most  part  uneventfully 
on  the  Union  side,  save  that  the  Sixth  Corps  was  toiling 
bravely  on  in  an  unbroken  march  of  nearly  twenty-four 
hours ;  out  of  our  sight  Longstreet  was  arranging  and  direct 
ing  into  position  his  men. 

In  the  general  description  of  the  day's  fighting  already 
given,  no  particular  word  has  been  said  of  General  Sickles' 
position  on  the  Emmettsburg  road.  Well  known  is  it,  that 
on  his  own  responsibility — unheeding  summons  to  meet 


GETTYSBURG.  IO/ 

General  Meade  and  other  general  officers  at  army  head 
quarters,  he  moved  the  Third  Corps  from  the  line  assigned 
to  this,  extending  from  Cemetery  Hill  to  Round  Top.  The 
question  of  the  wisdom  of  the  move  has  been  minutely  dis 
cussed,  General  Sickles  freely  assuming  all  responsibility  and 
glorying,  until  now,  in  his  act,  which  he  claims  was  fully 
justified ;  and  that  his  corps  really  fought  the  battle  of 
Gettysburg.  On  the  other  hand,  most  pronounced  against 
his  course  have  been  General  Meade,  the  Commander  of  the 
Army,  and  Generals  Sedgwick,  Hancock,  Warren  and  almost 


GENERAL  DANIEL  E.   SICKLES. 

all  the  other  prominent  officers  of  the  Union  army.  Certain 
is  it,  that  the  move  forward  to  Emmettsburg  road  \vas  made 
without  knowledge  or  direction  of  General  Meade  ;  that  it  left 
the  Round  Tops  uncovered  ;  that  it  broke  the  line  at  its  con 
nection  with  the  Second  Corps,  and  that  it  located  the  scene 
of  the  second  day's  fight  in  advance  of  the  line  intended  by 
the  Union  Commander.  The  line  presented  at  Peach  Or 
chard  a  salient,  exposing  the  Third  Corps  to  a  double  enfi 
lading  fire.  But,  full  bravely  did  the  Union  artillery  and 
infantry  fight  on  that  day.  The  ten  thousand  men  under 
Sickles  withstood  the  fifteen  thousand  men  under  Longstreet  ; 
Sickles  being  aided,  as  time  passed,  by  portions  of  the  Sec- 


108       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

ond,  Fifth  and  Twelfth  Corps.  General  Lee  judged  that  our 
extreme  left  was  on  the  Emmettsburg  road.  His  purpose 
was  to  assault  the  left,  and  in  event  of  success,  to  press  our 
line  towards  Cemetery  Hill.  His  order  reads:  "Envelop  the 
enemy's  left  and  begin  the  attack  there,  following  up  as  near 
as  possible  the  direction  of  the  Emmettsburg  road."  He 
wrote  afterwards  :  "  It  appeared  that  if  the  position  held  by 
him  [Sickles]  could  be  carried,  its  possession  would  give  facil 
ities  for  assailing  and  carrying  the  more  elevated  ground 
and  crest  beyond." 


LIEUTENANT  L.   H.   STEVENS. 


To  give  a  more  detailed  account  of  the  battle  on  this  day, 
as  it  appeared  to  those  who  with  the  writer  watched  it  from  our 
position  on  the  left  of  Cemetery  Hill,  we  need  to  go  back  to 
the  morning  and  trace  anew  the  events  of  the  day.  The 
skirmish-firing,  with  which  the  renewed  contest  opened,  devel 
oped  instances  of  valor.  To  recount  one  of  these  :  "  The 
Garibaldis,"  who  had  been  sent  on  the  skirmish-line,  took 
with  them  their  colors.  It  was  event  unusual.  Colonel  Wil- 


GETTYSBURG.  IO9 

lard  saw  the  needless  peril  of  their  loss,  and  directed  that  the 
flag  be  recalled.  To  Lieutenant  L.  H.  Stevens,  of  G  Com 
pany  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth,  serving  as  aid 
on  Colonel  Willard's  staff,  was  assigned  the  duty.  Bravely 
regardless  of  danger,  he  rode  over  the  bullet-swept  field  to 
the  skirmish-line  and  brought  in  the  flag.  He  was  a  fair  tar 
get  for  a  hundred  rifles  and  more ;  and  he  justly  received 
words  of  commendation  in  an  order  from  General  Hays  re 
counting  the  battle.  Later  in  the  day,  Lieutenant  Stevens 
was  wounded  and  was  taken  from  the  field. 

Lieutenant  Stevens  was  born  in  Pulaski,  N.  Y.,  December 
5th,  1842.  He  entered  the  Freshman  class  of  the  Troy  Uni 
versity  in  1860,  and  had  just  become  a  member  of  the  Junior 
class  when  he  aided  in  raising  G  Company  of  our  regiment. 
He  became  second  instead  of  first  lieutenant  in  a  novel  way. 
He  and  Lieutenant  Newcomb  decided  the  question  as  to 
who  should  be  first  and  who  second  lieutenant  by  tossing 
up  a  penny.  Lieutenant  Newcomb  won  the  first  rank. 

The  fighting  along  Emmettsburg  road  and  in  fields  to  east 
was  in  open  view  of  our  position.  Artillery  and  musketry 
were  filling  the  air  with  fire  and  smoke,  and  were  covering 
the  ground  with  the  wounded  and  the  dead.  Through  the 
thick  smoke  the  belching  of  the  cannon  appeared  to  us  like 
the  fires  of  a  furnace ;  as  if  Titans  were  at  work  :  they  were 
at  work  in  a  struggle  of  life  and  death. 

That  effort  to  gain  Little  Round  Top  was  a  masterly  move. 
General  E.  M.  Law  declares  that  he  had  sent  scouts  to  the 
ground  who  had  reported  that  it  was  unoccupied  ;  and  this 
led  to  that  attempt  to  gain  it  which  was  on  the  edge  of  suc 
cess.  But,  Warren  and  Vincent  turned  back  at  the  point  of 
the  bayonet  the  exultant  Texans  springing  for  the  heights, 
hurrying  "  over  rough  steeps  and  over  the  precipitous  crags." 

For  a  half-hour  the  fighting  at  Round  Top  was  terrific ; 
surging  among  the  trees  and  huge  stones  ;  bodies  falling 
among  the  rocks  and  ravines,  and  caught  in  most  horrid  po 
sitions.  The  trees — as  the  writer  saw  in  passing  over  the 
ground  after  the  battle — were  perforated  with  bullets.  Gen- 


1 10       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

eral  Longstreet  subsequently  wrote  :  "  The  defensive  advan 
tages  of  the  ground  enabled  the  Federals  to  delay  our  pur 
poses  until  they  could  occupy  Little  Round  Top,  which  they 
just  then  discovered  was  the  key  to  their  position."  "The 
force  thrown  upon  this  point  was  so  strong  as  to  seize  our 
right,  as  it  were,  in  a  vise." 

Fierce  was  the  fighting  in  Devil's  Den  below  Round  Top  : 
and  those  charges — over  the  wheat  field  at  farther  end  of 
which,  behind  a  strong  stone  fence,  was  a  rebel  line,  almost  as 
safely  defended  as  at  Marye's  Heights  at  Fredericksburg — 
cost  us  dearly  and  were  fruitless.  Looking  down  at  the 
fearful  struggle  as  this  had  continued  for  three  hours,  and 


SIGNAL  STATION. 


noting  that  the  fire  was  creeping  nearer  (for  Humphrey's 
Division  \vas  letting  go  its  hold  upon  the  road),  the  writer  was 
impressed  that  it  could  scarcely  be  possible  that  the  One 
Hundred  and  T\venty-fifth  should  much  longer  remain  out 
of  the  heat  of  the  battle.  So,  he  passed  along  the  line  of 
men  who  at  the  time  were  lying  on  the  ground,  and  again 
urged  them  to  be  ready  for  the  possibilities  immediately  be 
fore  them.  But  he  had  not  reached  the  farther  end  of  the 
regiment  when  the  ominous  command  was  heard  :  "  Fall  in  !" 
and,  rising,  the  regiment  with  our  brigade  took  up  the  line 
of  march  by  the  left  flank  down  towards  the  scene  of  engage 
ment — down  into  the  fiercest  of  the  fight — down  into  "  the 


GETTYSBURG. 


Ill 


jaws  of   death,"  to  close   these  with   the   strong  hands   and 
noble  forms  of  our  men. 

It  was  now  about  7  o'clock  in  the  evening  of  a  long,  beau 
tiful,  warm,  July  day.  As  we  moved  down  into  the  strife 
the  writer  looked  to  the  west.  The  sun  was  sinking  low, 
and  the  heavens  were  ablaze  with  its  splendors,  in  marked 
contrast  with  the  lurid  fires  of  death  towards  which  we  were 
marching.  We  were  halted  amid  the  smoke  in  front  of  some 


CHARGE     OF     THE    lllth,     125th.     AND     126th     N.Y.VOLS. 
Gettysburg,  July  2<1,  1S63. 

swale — a  new  growth  of  trees — in  which  we  could  see,  dimly, 
because  of  the  smoke  covering  the  field — men  moving.  The 
brigade  was  dressed  on  the  colors,  an  unusual  thing  under 
such  circumstances.  Our  men  commenced  to  fire,  but  the 
word  was  shouted  :  "  Firing  on  your  own  men  !"  Upon 
which  the  command  was  given  by  Colonel  Willard  :  "  Cease 
firing  !"  Officers,  as  did  the  writer,  rushed  in  front  of  our 
line  repeating  the  order.  But  the  interval  permitted  the  en- 


112      ONK  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  X.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

emy  to  reload,  and  we  speedily  learned  our  mistake.  A  man 
to  the  left  of  the  writer  fell  in  an  instant  prostrated  by  a  bul 
let.  Then,  doubt  removed,  the  men  await  no  orders,  but 
press  on,  firing  as  they  move.  On  we  rushed  with  loud 
cries!  on — with  bullets  whizzing  by  our  ears,  as  if  messen 
gers  from  the  cold,  icy  regions  of  the  dead — with  shells 
screaming  and  cannon-balls  tearing  the  air,  like  so  many 
fiends  bent  on  destruction :  now  bursting  above  and  around 
us ;  now  ploughing  the  ground  at  our  feet  and  laying  many 
of  our  noble  men  low  in  death  or  bleeding  with  wounds :  on, 
on,  we  rushed,  through  storm  of  fire  and  death,  thundering 
above  and  darting  around  us  like  the  thunder  and  lightning 
of  heaven :  on,  driving  the  rebels  before  us,  mortally  wound 
ing  General  Barksdale  at  the  head  of  the  rebel  force,  who  in 
vain  sought  to  lash  and  lead  his  men  forward,  and  who  died 
in  our  hands. 

The  purpose  was  accomplished.  The  effort  of  the  rebels 
was  doubly  thwarted  at  Little  Round  Top,  and  at  Cemetery 
Hill.  "  To  urge  my  men  forward  under  these  circumstances," 
writes  General  Longstreet,  "would  have  been  madness,  and 
I  withdrew  them  in  good  order  to  Peach  Orchard,  that  we 
had  taken  from  the  Federals  early  in  the  afternoon."  If  it 
was  in  "  good  order,  "  at  one  point  of  the  line  certainly  it 
was  in  quick  order. 

As  night  settled  down  upon  the  scene,  our  regiment  was 
returned  to  its  position  on  Cemetery  Hill.  But,  he  returned 
not  with  us  who  had  led  us  gallantly,  coolly — as  the  writer 
was  witness — down  into  that  fiery  vortex  ;  and  not  all  those 
came  back  who  had  gone  forth.  With  over  one  hundred  of 
our  regiment  cut  down  in  the  brief  space  of  a  half  hour,  had 
fallen  our  brave,  skilled,  loved  Colonel.  Willard  was  dead. 
He  was  struck  just  after  the  brigade-  had  by  orders  fallen 
back  east  of  the  swale  through  which  it  had  just  charged 
and  driven  the  rebels.  A  piece  of  shell  carried  away  a  part 
of  his  face  and  head,  and  he  fell  from  his  horse  instantly 
killed.  Among  those  who  saw  him  fall  was  Henry  M.  Clum, 
of  B  Company;  and  William  H.  Babcock,  of  F  Company 


GETTYSBURG.  113 

was  one  of  the  four  men  who  carried  the  dead  body  from  the 
front.  The  two  men  named  became,  later  in  the  service, 
commissioned  officers.  His  body  was  taken  to  the  Fry 
house,  the  ground  and  barn  of  which  were  used  as  a  hospital, 
as  were  many  of  the  houses  in  near  vicinity  of  the  field. 
That  house  and  barn  were  on  the  field,  and  were  on  the  fol 
lowing  day  exposed  to  the  fire  of  the  rebel  guns,  shells  from 
which  exploded  on  the  premises.  The  body  was  carefully 
wrapped  in  linen  cloth  ;  and  was  last  seen  by  the  writer  as  it 
was  lying  on  the  ground  ready  for  faithful  and  loving  hands 
to  bear  it  homeward  to  an  afflicted  wife  and  kindred,  the 
former  of  whom  survives  until  the  writing  of  these  records, 
bearing  still  the  sacred  memory  of  one  who  as  man  as  well  as 
soldier  was  endeared  to  all  who  knew  his  worth.  The  next 
chapter  will  tell  of  the  general  and  high  esteem  in  which 
he  was  held. 

The  losses  on  both  sides  in  the  entire  afternoon's  engage 
ment  were  very  large.  One-third  of  Longstreet's  Corps,  ac 
cording  to  his  own  estimate,  were  wounded  or  killed.  Our 
regiment  alone  had  lost  more  than  one-fifth  of  its  strength, 
and  Colonel  Willard's  entire  brigade  suffered  in  a  larger  ratio, 
losing  between  six  and  seven  hundred  men  out  of  a  total  of 
about  two  thousand. 

As  we  passed  on  the  charge  through  the  swale,  the  color- 
bearer,  Sergeant  Lewis  Smith,  was  instantly  killed ;  but  ere 
the  colors  could  touch  the  ground,  Harrison  Clark  of  E 
Company  bent  down  and  grasped  them,  bringing  them  out 
of  the  battle.  For  his  gallantry,  he  was  on  the  next  day 
called  to  the  front  of  the  regiment,  and  was  promoted  to  be 
color-sergeant.  To  a  brave  man  was  given  the  place  of  one 
who  had  fallen  bravely  in  a  position  always  of  greatest  dan 
ger,  and  calling  for  highest  valor.  For  in  battle,  the  flag 
was  always  the  first  target  of  the  enemy's  fire.  The  flag  and 
officers  were  coveted  prizes. 

The  handling  of  the  men  in  the  charge  by  Colonel  Willard 
was  careful  and  skillful.  On  the  left  flank  was  placed  the 
Thirty-ninth  Regiment,  which  acquitted  itself  nobly,  retaking 


I  14      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  YOLS. 

— as  reported — some  captured  guns.  In  reserve  for  a  brief 
minute  was  held  the  One  Hundred  and  Eleventh,  which  was 
quickly  directed  to  the  right,  to  prolong  the  line  formed  by 
the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  and  the  One  Hundred 
and  Twenty-sixth — to  left  and  right.  The  charge  was 
pressed  until  Barksdale's  men,  leaving  their  mortally- 
wounded  commander  in  our  hands,  were  driven  from  the 
field  ;  and  the  frowning  rebel  batteries  on  high  ground  along 
Emmettsburg  road  were  confronted.  Question  has  been 
raised  as  to  whether  the  order  for  the  return  of  the  brigade 
was  wise.  This  had  accomplished  what  was  needed.  Possi 
bly  it  might  have  carried  the  batteries  on  the  high  ground, 
but  it  was  not  ordered  so  to  do. 

If  we  err  not  in  the  immediate  connection  of  the  event,  it 
was  the  sight  of  the  long  line  of  our  brigade  moving  down 
from  Cemetery  Hill  that  caused  Longstreet  to  order  Hood's 
men  back  to  Peach  Orchard.  The  movement  and  the  charge 
had  certainly  to  do  in  deciding,  at  a  crisis  point,  the  fortunes 
of  that  day.  General  Hancock,  who  himself  accompanied 
the  brigade  from  Cemetery  Hill  to  the  scene  of  action,  spoke 
later  in  highest  terms  of  its  valor  and  service.  He  declared 
to  Captain  Vandenburgh :  "  The  Third  Brigade,  Third 
Division  of  my  old  Second  Corps,  was  equal  to  any  regular 
brigade  I  ever  saw.  Their  conduct  at  Gettysburg  was  su 
perb.  The  rally  of  the  Third  Brigade  on  their  colors  at  the 
time  Colonel  Willard  was  killed  was  a  very  gallant  move 
ment  under  such  firing." 

That  night-charge  of  the  Louisiana  Tigers  (already  de 
scribed  in  brief)  on  the  very  centre  of  our  line,  was  a  most 
gallant,  but  desperate  effort.  The  point  where  it  was  made 
was  of  so  great  importance  that  only  a  little  time  before  its 
occurrence  General  Ames  was  explaining  to  Captain  Ricketts, 
here  in  command  of  our  artillery,  the  value  of  the  position 
as  a  key-point,  and  the  necessity  for  holding  it.  Colonel 
Wainright,  standing  by,  added  :  "  In  case  you  are  charged, 
you  will  not  limber  up  under  any  circumstances,  but  fight 
your  battery  to  the  last."  The  rebels  making  the  charge 


GETTYSBURG.  115 

formed  under  cover  of  the  houses  in  Gettysburg ;  and  ap 
proaching  near  the  rise  of  ground — by  no  means  high — sud 
denly  deployed,  and  sprang  forward.  Before  resistance  could 
fairly  be  offered,  they  were  through  our  lines  and  upon  our 
batteries.  (This  part  of  our  ground  is  now  marked  by  guns 
in  position.)  The  success,  as  already  described,  was  only 
brief.  Colonel  Carroll's  brigade  soon  swept  them  from  the 
field,  and  "  the  '  Timers  '  were  never  afterwards  known  as  an 

o 

organization."  Out  of  1,700  men  they  lost  1,400.  This  ac 
tion  presented  a  scene  unusual  in  battle.  It  was  marked  by 
hand-to-hand  encounters  and  deeds  of  personal  daring.  Gen 
eral  Hunt,  Chief  of  Artillery,  says  that  "handspikes,  ram 
mers  and  even  stones "  were  used  by  our  men.  Colonel 
Bachelder  describes  the  scene  as  embodying  "  the  magnifi 
cent  charge,  the  firm  defence,  the  fierce,  seething  struggle  of 
armed  men,  frenzied  with  the  maddening  influences  of  war. 
They  fought  with  common  muskets,  pistols,  handspikes,  ram 
mers,  clubs,  stones,  anything  with  which  an  attack  could  be 
made  or  defense  given.  Here  occurred  instances  of  personal 
bravery  and  intrepidity  seldom  surpassed."  "  South  of  the 
wall,  at  Ricketts'  left  gun,  a  Confederate  lieutenant  dashed 
boldly  up  and  seized  the  battery's  guidon.  Private  Riggin, 
its  bearer,  drew  his  revolver  and  shot  him  dead.  At  the  same 
moment  a  minie-ball  severed  the  staff  and  Riggin  fell  a  corpse 
with  that  of  his  adversary.  Lieutenant  Worcester,  Seventh 
Louisiana,  charged  into  the  battery  and  laying  his  hand  on 
a  gun,  demanded  its  surrender,  but  was  instantly  brained  by 
a  blow  with  a  handspike  in  the  hands  of  one  of  the  gunners. 
Here,  at  the  third  gun  from  the  wall,  a  Confederate  sergeant, 
musket  in  hand,  sprang  upon  Sergeant  Stafford  and  demand 
ed  his  surrender.  He  was  answered  by  Lieutenant  Brock- 
way  of  the  battery,  who  coming  quickly  behind,  with  a  stone 
he  had  seized,  felled  him  to  the  ground.  Stafford  caught 
the  musket  and  fired,  wounding  him  severely  ;  and  in  the 
fury  of  the  moment  clubbed  the  gun  and  but  for  the  inter 
position  *of  Captain  Ricketts,  would  have  killed  him  on  the 
spot." 


Il6       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

"  The  brave  color-bearer  of  the  lo/th  Ohio,  Sergeant  Geible, 
sprang  upon  the  wall,  and  defiantly  waved  his  flag  in  the 
very  faces  of  his  opponents.  The  satisfaction  was  but  mo 
mentary.  He  was  shot,  and  the  colors  fell  on  the  opposite 
side,  but  had  scarcely  touched  the  ground  before  Adjutant 
Young  cleared  the  wall,  and  snatched  them  from  the  very 
grasp  of  his  foe.  The  color-bearer  of  the  Eighth  Louisiana 
'Tigers,'  in  his  enthusiasm  dashed  gallantly  forward,  waving 
his  flag  as  he  advanced,  seeing  which  Adjutant  Young,  re 
volver  in  hand,  seized  the  staff  and  shot  the  color-bearer  in 
his  tracks.  But  he  too  was  shot — a  minie-ball  passed  through 
his  left  arm  and  pierced  his  lung.  A  Confederate  officer 
aimed  a  fearful  blow  at  his  head,  which  was  skilfully  parried 
by  Lieutenant  Suhrer,  and  reeling  to  his  regiment,  still  cling 
ing  to  the  flag,  he  sank  into  the  arms  of  Sergeant-Major 
Bricker  and  was  saved.  And  General  Ames  promoted  him 
to  a  captaincy  on  his  staff  for  his  bravery." 

Of  the  entire  operations  of  the  day,  Pollard  writes  :  u  The 
results,  of  the  day  were  unfortunate  enough.  Our  [Confed 
erate]  troops  had  been  repulsed  at  all  points,  save  where 
Brigadier-General  Stewart  [on  the  extreme  Confederate  left] 
held  his  ground."  We  are  content  with  this  judgment  pro 
nounced  by  a  Southern  war  historian. 


GEORGE  LAMB  WILLARD, 
COLONEL  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  V.  V. 

Commanding  Third  Biigadc,    Third  Division , 
Second  ,  /  /•/>/  r  Corps. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

COLONEL  WILLARI)  DEAD. 

*"  I  ^O  each  regiment,  losing  at  Gettysburg — as  on  other 
-*•  bloody  fields — commanding  officers,  its  own  loss 
seemed  greatest.  The  sorrow  was  measured  by  the  depth 
and  strength  of  the  regard  cherished  for  the  man  and  officer. 
Keen,  close,  fair  judges  of  officers  were  the  men  who  served 
in  the  ranks.  Whether  officer  was  skillful,  brave,  trustwor 
thy — to  lead  into  action  and  out  of  battle  ;  whether  the  man, 
under  officer's  uniform  was  true,  just,  temperate,  good  or 
the  contrary — these  things  soon  shaped  judgment,  when 
character  was  subjected  to  the  blare  and  confusion  and  perils 
of  battle-field,  or  even  to  the  milder  tests  of  carnp-life  and 
the  march.  Thus  did  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth 
Regiment  prove  its  officers  ;  and,  thus  came  forth,  in  its 
maturer  judgment,  approved  of  all,  the  one  whose  death 
makes  Gettysburg  a  most  sacred  memory  to  his  surviving 
comrades. 

Had  Colonel  George  Lamb  Willard  survived  the  storm  of 
battle,  he  would  doubtless  have  borne,  at  the  end  of  the 
service,  on  his  shoulders,  instead  of  a  colonel's  "  eagle,"  two 
well-earned  "  stars,"  to  reflect  his  valor  arKl  his  skill.  "  He 
fell  amid  the  regrets  of  five  hundred  men  who  had  come  to 
respect  and  love  him  as  a  man  and  emulate  him  as  a  soldier," 
— these  words  were  penned  by  the  writer,  while  yet  the 
sense  of  loss  was  most  fresh.  After  these  years  writes  one  : 
"  I  regard  that  year's  training  under  Colonel  Willard,  that 
rarely  accomplished  officer,  as  the  best  year's  education  of 
my  life.  He  was  a  complete  soldier,  and  taught  us  our 


Il8        ONE  HUNDRED  AND    TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

business."  This  is  the  testimony  of  one  than  whom  none 
stood  higher  among  the  line  officers  of  the  regiment,  and 
who,  ere  he  left  this,  was  enrolled  among  its  field-officers 
—General  Samuel  C.  Armstrong.  Declared  General  W.  S. 
Hancock  of  him :  "  George  L.  Willard  was  in  my  judgment 
one  of  the  best  officers  of  his  age  and  rank." 

In  this  chapter  we  do  lay  a  tribute  upon  the  grave  of  the 
fallen  soldier  ;  a  tribute,  formed  in  part  of  record  made  in  the 
press  at  the  time  of  his  death,  and  treasured  from  Gettys 
burg  until  now  ;  a  tribute  whose  fragrance  lingers  despite  a 
score  of  winters  have  laid  their  snows  above  his  ashes ;  a 
tribute  that  blossoms  in  yearly  freshness,  like  the  flowers 
built  by  the  abiding  sunlight  above  his  grave.  Those  who 
came  closest  to  him,  in  the  days  immediately  preceding 
Gettysburg,  noticed  in  him  an  unusually  subdued  manner; 
and  some  brought  in  contact  with  him  the  night  before  the 
the  battle,  speak  of  premonitions  expressed  by  him  of  his 
coming  death,  and  of  a  subdued,  almost  tender  kindness 
voiced  by  him  in  word  and  deed.  But  he  knew  not  that,  in 
event  of  his  fall,  so  large  honor  would  be  poured  forth  above 
his  encoffined  form.  He  understood,  in  advance  of  the 
bloody  fight  at  hand,  all  the  sternness  and  the  danger  of 
actual  battle  ;  for  its  dread  scenes  were  only  too  familiar  to 
him.  But,  facing  danger  he  well  realized,  he  went  to  his 
death  with  strong  heart  and  firm  face,  caring  even  to  the  last 
for  his  men. 

George  Lamb  Willard  was  born  in  New  York  City,  Au 
gust  1 5th,  1827.  His  great-grandfather,  General  John  Lamb, 
served  with  distinction  in  the  Revolutionary  War ;  and  his 
grandfather,  General  Anthony  Lamb,  served  with  marked 
ability  in  the  War  of  1812.  Colonel  Willard's  military  ardor 
was,  therefore,  somewhat  of  an  inheritance.  He  early  man 
ifested  an  ardent  desire  for  an  appointment  as  a  cadet  to 
the  Military  Academy  at  West  Point ;  but  his  friends  looked 
with  disfavor  upon  his  purpose,  and  he  was  sent  to  a  relative 
in  Ohio  to  become  a  practical  business  man.  Soon  after 
wards  the  Mexican  War  broke  out,  and  he  enlisted  in  the 


COLONEL  WILLARD.  119 

Fifteenth  Ohio  Volunteers,  under  Colonel  George  Morgan 
and  was  made  first  sergeant  of  his  company. 

He  was  under  General  Scott  in  the  movement  on  the  city 
of  Mexico,  and  his  company  was  one  of  the  first  to  scale  the 
walls  of  Chepultepec  Castle,  and  for  his  gallantry  on  that 
occasion,  and  for  distinguished  service  through  the  war,  he 
was,  on  recommendation  from  General  Scott,  appointed  a 
brevet  second  lieutenant  in  the  8th  United  States  Infantry, 
June  28th,  1848.  He  was  promoted  to  full  second  lieu 
tenant  in  that  regiment,  August  2d,  1848.  He  was  made 
first  lieutenant  in  his  regiment,  December  3 1st,  1853  ;  and, 
captain,  April  2/th,  1861.  About  a  year  later,  February 
1 9th,  1862,  he  became  major  of  the  Nineteenth  Infantry. 
His  commission  as  colonel  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty- 
fifth  Regiment  New  York  Volunteers  bears  date  of  August 
1 5th,  1862. 

From  1848  to  1860,  he  served  almost  contiunously  with  his 
regiment  in  Texas  and  New  Mexico.  From  June,  1854,  to 
June,  1856,  he  was  on  recruiting  service,  stationed  at  Gov 
ernor's  Island,  New  York  Harbor.  He  was  at  this  time 
adjutant  of  the  post.  In  the  autumn  of  1856  he  joined  his 
regiment  at  Fort  Stanton,  New  Mexico.  In  May,  1860,  he 
was  ordered  on  special  duty  to  Fort  Leavenworth,  Missouri, 
and  from  there  was  granted  "  leave  of  absence  "  and  came 
East.  Before  his  leave  expired,  the  Civil  War  broke  out  and 
he  applied  at  once  for  duty.  But,  his  regiment  had  been  or 
dered  from  the  northern  part  of  Texas  to  the  coast,  and  was 
there  captured  by  General  Twiggs.  He  was,  therefore,  ap 
pointed  as  Assistant  Adjutant-General  on  the  staff  of  Major- 
General  John  E.  Wool,  commanding  the  Eastern  Division. 
After  the  exchange  of  prisoners,  the  Eighth  Infantry  was  re 
organized  at  Newport  Barracks,  Kentucky,  with  Captain 
Willard  in  command.  In  July,  1861,  he  was  ordered  with 
his  company  to  Washington,  D.  C.  He  left  Washington 
with  orders  to  join  Sykes'  Battalion  of  McDowell's  army. 
He  camped  at  Ball's  Cross  Roads  on  the  night  of  July  2ist, 
and  returned  to  Arlington  House,  July  23,  and  joined  G 


I2O       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

Company,  Eighth  Infantry,  which  was  with  Sykes'  Battalion 
at  the  Battle  of  Bull  Run.  These  two  companies  were 
directed  to  Washington  and  were  put  on  duty  as  Provost 
Guard. 

When  the  call  was  issued  for  two-year  volunteers,  he  was 
earnestly  interested  in  recruiting  the  first  regiment  raised  in 
New  York  State.  The  regiment  just  missed  securing  the 
number  First ;  but  became  known  as  the  Second  New  York 
Volunteers.  It  was  expected  that  he  would  be  its  colonel ; 
but,  at  that  stage  of  the  war,  and  just  when  the  regiment 
was  on  point  of  forming,  orders  were  issued  forbidding  offi 
cers  commanding  volunteer  troops  to  remain  in  the  regular 
service.  With  all  of  his  justifiable  pride  as  a  regular  army 
officer,  he  was  compelled  to  retain  his  old  command,  and  re 
luctantly  to  give  up  the  prospect  of  leading  one  of  the  first 
volunteer  regiments  to  the  field.  He  served  with  the  Eighth 
United  States  Infantry  in  the  early  part  of  the  war,  and 
through  the  Peninsular  Campaign  of  1862  ;  and  as  its  com 
manding  officer  a  portion  of  the  time.  The  war  had  now 
grown  to  wide  proportions  ;  and  the  need  of  experienced, 
efficient  officers  to  train  and  direct  volunteers  was  so  appa 
rent  that  a  change  of  policy  resulted,  and  Major  Willard 
was  allowed  to  retain  his  rank  in  the  regular  service,  and  to 
become  colonel  of  the  regiment  of  whose  history  he  became 
a  vital  part,  and  whose  service  is  here  recorded.  His  death 
brought,  indeed,  another  good  man  to  the  front  as  colonel  of 
the  regiment ;  but  it  occasioned  a  sad  loss  to  the  service  of 
the  country. 

The  news  of  Colonel  Willard's  death  produced  profound 
sorrow  in  Troy,  N.  Y.,  and  civic  and  military  organizations 
took  immediate  steps  to  do  him  honor.  The  officers  of  the 
late  Second  Regiment  were  called  together  at  the  Troy 
House  ;  The  War  Committee  was  assembled  ;  likewise  the 
Troy  Citizens'  Corps,  and  the  Common  Council.  The  Troy 
Times  recorded  his  death  in  the  following  fitting  words : 

"We  fear  that  our  pens  will  be  kept  busy,  for  some  time 
to  come,  in  recording  the  loss  of  Troy  soldiers  amid  the 


COLONEL  WILLARD.  121 

recent  severe  battles.  Among  the  regiments  engaged  was 
the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth,  Colonel  George  L.  Wil- 
lard,  and  that  noble  officer  fills  a  soldier's  coffin.  There  is 
every  reason  to  believe  that  the  news  is  too  true.  Colonel 
Willard  was  the  embodiment  of  a  true  soldier — strict  when 
on  duty,  cool  amid  danger,  of  oft-proven  bravery,  respected 
alike  by  subordinates  and  superiors.  To  a  host  of  friends 
in  Troy,  he  was  known  as  a  true  friend  and  courteous  gen 
tleman  ;  and  not  long  since  he  was  united  in  marriage  to 
the  daughter  of  a  leading  citizen,  Hon.  Elias  Plum.  Colonel 
Willard  volunteered  as  a  private  soldier  in  the  Mexican  War 
— having  spent  his  early  life  within  hearing  of  the  drums  of 
West  Point — and  rose  from  the  ranks  by  merit  at  a  time 
when  promotion  was  anything  but  rapid.  He  became  known 
to  our  citizens  while  on  the  staff  of  General  Wool,  just  be 
fore  the  outbreak  of  the  Rebellion — being  then  a  lieutenant 
in  the  regular  army.  Compelled  to  decline  the  proffered 
honor  of  the  colonelcy  of  the  Second  Regiment,  he  con 
tributed  not  a  little  towards  the  efficiency  of  that  organiza 
tion.  He  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  major  in  the  regular 
army,  but  was  detached  to  assume  command  of  the  One 
Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment.  In  this  honorable  po 
sition  he  remained  until  his  death,  and  fell  leading  a  band  of 
his  brave  men  against  the  haughty  but  discomfited  invaders 
of  the  free  North.  Colonel  Willard  was  of  striking  personal 
appearance  and  possessed  rare  soldierly  accomplishments. 
He  will  be  deeply  mourned  in  Troy,  where  his  talents  and 
position  have  been  fully  recognized.  Hon®r  to  the  gallant 
dead !'  • 

Following  the  above  were  other  like  words  in  the  same 
representative  paper  which  rendered  so  efficient  service  for 
the  country  in  its  days  of  trial : 

"  There  is  an  intense  solicitude  on  the  part  of  those  hav 
ing  friends  in  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment, 
to  learn  the  names  of  those  who  were  killed  and  wounded 
among  its  ranks.  Various  rumors  prevailed  in  the  city  yes- 


122       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

terday  and  to-day,  as  to  the  fate  of  prominent  officers — all 
resting  on  very  slight  foundations,  and  calculated  to  cause 
pain  to  those  interested.  Private  Wiseman,  who  has  been 
with  Colonel  Willard  for  two  years,  and  who  accompanied 
the  body  to  Troy,  states  that  on  Thursday  the  brigade  com 
manded  by  Colonel  Willard  was  held  in  reserve  until  four 
o'clock  P.  M.,  when  it  was  ordered  into  action.  It  consisted 
of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth,  One  Hundred  and 
Twenty-sixth,  One  Hundred  and  Eleventh,  and  the  Gari 
baldi  Guards.  In  about  half  an  hour  Colonel  Willard  fell. 
His  body  was  borne  to  the  rear  by  Adjutant  Sheldon  and 
another  officer.  Wiseman  started  with  it  at  nine  A.  M.  on 
Friday.  During  Thursday  evening's  fight  the  only  officers 
whom  he  knows  to  have  been  wounded  were  Lieutenant  L. 
H.  Stevens,  Captain  T.  F.  Sheldon  (slightly,  in  the  hand), 
and  Lieutenant  Gillis.  On  Friday  the  regiment  was  ordered 
into  battle  again,  and  is  believed  to  have  been  hotly  engaged. 
The  loss  of  officers  and  men  is  not  known. 

"  Colonel  Willard's  remains  are  deposited  in  an  elegant 
coffin.  The  plate  bears  the  following  inscription  :  *  Colonel 
George  L.  Willard,  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regi 
ment,  New  York  Volunteers,  commanding  Third  Brigade, 
Third  Division,  Second  Army  Corps,  killed  July  2d,  1863.' 

COLONEL  WILLARD'S  FUNERAL. 

"  The  remains  of  the  late  Colonel  George  L.  Willard,  of 
the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment,  who  fell  in 
Thursday's  battle,  reached  Troy  at  a  late  hour  last  evening, 
in  charge  of  Private  Wiseman,  and  were  immediately  taken 
to  the  residence  of  Honorable  Elias  Plum.  Colonel  Willard, 
while  riding  at  the  head  of  his  brigade,  was  struck  by  a 
shell,  which  tore  the  angle  of  his  mouth  and  shattered  his 
chin  and  shoulder.  He  fell  from  his  horse,  which  galloped 
into  the  rebel  lines  at  full  speed.  The  gallant  rider  was  dead 
when  taken  from  the  ground. 

"  Colonel  Willard's  funeral  will  take  place  to-morrow  morn- 


COLONEL  WILLARD.  123 

ing  at  eleven  o'clock  from  Mr.  Plum's  residence.  It  will 
be  attended  by  military  and  civic  bodies  in  imposing  num 
bers — General  Allen,  of  the  Tenth  Brigade,  whose  staff  will 
act  as  pall-bearers,  the  Troy  Citizens'  Corps,  Twenty-fourth 
Regiment,  a  detachment  of  the  United  States  Regulars  from 
the  Arsenal,  the  officers  of  the  late  Second  Regiment,  the 
Mayor  and  Common  Council  of  Troy.  Invitations  have 
been  extended  by  Mayor  Van  Alstyne  to  the  Mayor  and 
Common  Council  of  Albany  and  the  President  and  Trustees 
of  Lansingburgh,  to  take  part  in  the  obsequies. 

"  The  Common  Council  held  a  meeting  last  evening,  at 
which  resolutions  were  passed  in  reference  to  the  late  Colo 
nel  Willard,  and  appropriate  remarks  made  by  Alderman 
Charles  Eddy  and  others.  It  was  certainly  fitting  that  the 
Common  Council  should  take  action  to  this  effect.  General 
Darius  Allen  has  also  issued  a  soldier-like  order  upon  this 
mournful  occasion. 

Resolutions  and  "  orders  "  expressive  of  his  honor  were 
adopted  and  published  by  General  Darius  Allen,  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  W.  H.  Lawton,  by  the  War  Committee  and  the 
Common  Council.  The  military  orders  read  : 


General  Order  No.  5. 


HEADQUARTERS  TENTH  BRIGADE,  ) 

N.  Y.  S.  N.  G.,  TROY,  July  5th,  1863.          ) 


It  is  with  deep  regret  that  the  Brigadier-General  announces  the  death  of  Colo 
nel  and  Acting  Brigadier-General  George  L.  Willard  of  the  One  Hundred  and 
Twenty-fifth  New  York  State  Volunteer  forces.  By  his  death  the  State  loses  a 
patriotic  citizen  and  the  military  service  a  faithful  officer.  Colonel  Willard  was 
stricken  down  while  in  command  of  a  brigade,  and  gallantly  leading  them  into 
action  at  the  battle  of  Gettysburg. 

The  sacrifice  of  such  a  martyr  upon  the  altar  of  his  country  will  ever  remain  an 
endearing  monument  to  his  memory,  standing  forth  as  a  noble  example  for  the 
emulation  of  the  hero  and  the  patriot — calling  for  equally  disinterested  efforts  in 
preserving  and  transmitting  to  posterity  unimpaired  the  glorious  heritage  of  our 
fathers. 

As  a  proper  token  of  respect  for  his  patriotic  services,  I  do  hereby  order  and 
direct  the  officers,  non-commissioned  officers,  musicians  and  privates  of  the 
Twenty-fourth  Regiment,  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  William  H. 


124      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

Lawton,  to  meet  at  the  Armory,  on  Wednesday,  July  8th,  at  ten  o'clock  in  the 
forenoon,  uniformed,  armed  and  equipped  according  to  law,  to  act  as  a  military 
escort  to  attend  the  funeral  of  the  deceased,  at  the  residence  of  his  father-in-law, 
Hon.  Elias  Plum,  No.  57  Second  Street. 

And  I  do  further  order  that  the  commanding  officers  of  companies  and  the 
adjutant  of  the  regiment,  return  to  me  the  names  of  all  the  delinquent  officers, 
non-commissioned  officers,  musicians  and  privates,  within  ten  days  from  the  date 
of  this  order,  duly  certified  to  as  prescribed  by  law. 

The  brigade  staff  will  act  as  pall  bearers. 

It  is  expected  that  a  detachment  of  United  States  Regulars  from  the  Water- 
vliet  Arsenal  will  be  present  and  form  part  of  the  escort. 

Members  of  newly  organized  companies  attached  to  the  Twenty-fourth  Regi 
ment  will  not  be  required  to  attend  unless  uniformed  and  equipped.  By  order  of 

BRIG.  GEN.  DARIUS  ALLEN, 

Commanding  Tenth  Brigade,  N.  Y.  S.  N.  G. 
JOHN  A.  GRISWOLD,  Brigade  Major,  Tenth  Brigade. 


HEADQUARTERS  TWENTY-FOURTH  REGIMENT.  ) 

N.  Y.  S.  NATIONAL  GUARD,      > 

TROY,  July  7,  1863.          ) 

In  compliance  with  General  Order  No.  5,  from  Brigadier-General  Darius 
Allen,  commanding  Tenth  Brigade,  the  commissioned  and  non-commissioned 
officers,  musicians  and  privates  of  the  Twenty-fourth  Regiment,  are  hereby 
ordered  to  assemble  at  their  Regimental  Armory,  on  Wednesday,  July  8th,  at 
ten  o'clock  A.  M.,  in  full  dress,  to  act  as  a  military  escort  at  the  funeral  of  the 
late  Colonel  GEORGE  L.  WILLARD. 

Captains  McAuliff,  Bowen,  Brennan,  Timpane,  Davis  and  Rapp,  commanding 
Companies  A,  B,  C,  E,  R  and  L,  will  forthwith  promulgate  this  Order  to  their 
respective  commands. 

Captains  Cusack,  Calder  and  Upham,  commanding  Companies  G,  II  and  I, 
will  not  be  required  to  parade  unless  furnished  with  uniforms  and  equipments. 

The  quartermaster  will  be  furnished  with  cartridge,  by  applying  at  brigade 
headquarters. 

The  band  will  report  to  the  adjutant  at  the  Armory,  at  nine  o'clock  A.  M. 

The  field  and  staff  officers  will  report  to  the  lieutenant-colonel  at  the  same 
time  and  place. 

By  order 

W.  H.  LAWTON,  Lieut.  Col, 

Commanding  Twenty-fourth  Regiment  N.  Y.  N.  G. 
C.  H.  M.  FERRE,  Adjutant. 


COLONEL  WILLARD.  12$ 

At  a  meeting  of  the  War  Committee  of  the  county  of 
Rensselaer,  held  July  ^th,  1863,  the  following  preamble  and 
resolutions  were  unanimously  adopted  : 

This  committee  learn  with  deep  sorrow,  that  Colonel  George  L.  Willard,  of 
the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment,  New  York  Volunteers,  was  killed 
on  the  2d  instant,  in  the  battle  of  Gettysburg,  Pennsylvania,  in  the  line  of  duty, 
while  acting  as  Brigadier-General  in  the  Third  Division  of  the  Second  Army 
Corps. 

High  qualities  as  a  gentleman  and  a  soldier,  a  patriot  and  a  martyr  have 
•endeared  the  deceased  to  us,  and  his  early  loss  has  stirred  the  community  with 
profound  sensations. 

Fifteen  years  of  military  service,  had,  by  the  aid  of  talents,  study,  and  appli 
cation  to  the  principles  of  the  art  of  war,  raised  him  from  the  ranks,  and  while 
yet  a  young  man,  witnessed  his  promotion  to  be  major  in  the  regular  army,  a 
colonel  of  New  York  Infantry,  and  in  repelling  our  invading  foe,  in  the  com 
mand  of  a  brigade,  in  the  Third  Division,  of  the  Second  Army  Corps  of  the 
United  States.  His  contributions  to  the  science  of  war  and  the  art  of  gunnery 
have  already  made  him  respectable  among  military  writers. 

He  was  the  first  chosen  of  this  community  to  command  the  first  regiment 
(the  Second  New  York)  it  sent  to  the  field  in  this  war,  but  it  was  only  after  long 
entreaty,  in  consonance  with  his  desire,  that  the  Government  was  prevailed  upon 
to  part  with  his  services  on  the  nineteenth  of  July,  to  take  command  of  the  One 
Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment  New  York  Volunteers. 

Less  than  a  year  of  varied  experience  in  the  field  at  the  head  of  this  regiment, 
which  he  had  by  discipline  brought  to  the  condition  of  veterans,  has  closed  his 
career.  He  has  fallen  as  he  would  have  desired  to  leave  this  world,  in  the  front 
rank  of  the  defenders  of  the  Union,  with  his  armor  upon  him,  in  defiance  of  all 
foes,  sustaining  the  Government,  with  the  cause  of  the  country  close  to  his  heart 
and  mingling  with  every  pulsation. 

We  feel  this  loss  to  ourselves  and  to  the  army,  and  the  country,  and  the 
bereavement  to  his  immediate  friends  and  family.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  in  the  death  of  Colonel  George  L.  Willard  the  service  has  lost 
an  accomplished  man  and  gallant  soldier,  the  cause  of  the  Union  one  of  its  most 
devoted  servants  and  defenders,  the  community  a  most  estimable  citizen,  and  his 
family  a  cherished  object  in  all  the  relations  of  husband,  son  and  brother. 

Resolved,  That  this  committee  will  attend  his  funeral  in  a  body;  and  that  we 
extend  our  sympathies  to  the  soldiers  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth,  who 
have  lost  an  experienced  soldier  and  valuable  officer  in  the  death  of  their  colonel ; 
and  that  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  presented  to  the  family  of  the  deceased, 
and  also  be  published  and  sent  to  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment. 

By  order  of  the  committee. 

JAMES  FORSYTH,  Chairman. 

E.  W.  SHELDON,  Secretary. 


126        ONE  HUNDRED  ANT)  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

The  proceedings  of  a  special  meeting  of  the  Common 
Council  were  as  follows : 

MONDAY  EVENING,  July  6. 

Present — Hon.  \V.  L.  VanAlstyne  Mayor:  Hon.  John  Moran,  Recorder;  and 
Aldermen  Crawford.  C.  Eddy,  Fales.  Fleming,  Gary,  Gurley,  Grace,  Green, 
McKeon.  McManus,  Rankin,  Regan,  Smart  and  Starbuck. 

The  Mayor  stated  that  the  Board  had  again  been  called  together  to  consider 
the  death  of  a  valued  citizen,  suddenly  called  away.  The  intelligence  was  before 
us  that  Colonel  George  L.  Willard,  of  the  New  York  One  Hundred  and  Twenty- 
fifth,  was  no  more,  having  been  killed  in  battle  on  the  2d  inst.  He  left  it  writh 
members  to  propose  action  in  the  matter. 

Alderman  McManus  moved  the  appointment  of  a  committee  of  three  to  report 
appropriate  resolutions.  Carried;  and  the  Mayor  named  as  committee  Aldermen 
McManus,  Chas.  Eddy  and  Starbuck. 

The  committee  reported  the  following: 

Whereas,  This  Council  has  heard  with  deep  regret  of  the  death  of  Colonel 
George  L.  Willard,  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  N.  Y.  S.  Vols.,  a  reg 
iment  recruited  here,  and  under  the  patronage  and  partly  under  the  direction  of 
the  city;  and  whereas,  Colonel  Willard  was  admirably  fulfilling  the  duties  of  his 
position  and  answering  both  the  expectations  of  his  friends  and  the  needs  of  his 
country  when  he  suddenly  fell  on  the  battle-field  mortally  wounded;  therefore 

Resolved,  That  we  deeply  mourn  the  death  of  this  young  and  valued  officer, 
so  honorably  identified  with  the  military  service;  whose  life  seemed  so  full  of 
promise,  and  whose  readiness  to  serve  his  country  was  accompanied  by  the  high 
est  order  of  abilities,  the  most  marked  aud  winning  modesty,  and  the  greatest 
suavity  of  manner. 

Resolved,  That  in  his  military  career  he  showed  faculties  necessary  to  the 
accomplishment  of  the  true  soldier  and  accomplished  general.  Entering  the 
army  of  his  country  in  the  rank  of  a  private,  and  serving  in  that  capacity  in  sus 
taining  the  honor  of  his  country  on  the  battle-fields  of  Mexico — earning  and  win 
ning  a  reputation  for  tact,  discipline  and  bravery  rarely  achieved — rising  by  the 
splendor  of  his  genius  and  meritorious  conduct  to  the  rank  of  Major,  and  when 
stricken  down  on  the  battle-field  of  Gettysburg  in  the  capacity  of  Acting  Briga 
dier-General,  and  as  it  were  at  the  height  of  his  military  aspirations,  the  country 
has  lost  a  brave  supporter,  the  army  a  great  genius,  the  youth  of  our  country  a 
proud  example,  and  society  a  valued  and  respected  member. 

Resolved,  That  we  tender  to  the  family  of  the  deceased  our  sincere  condolence 
in  their  deep  affliction;  that  as  a  mark  of  respect  to  his  memory,  the  Common 
Council  will  attend  his  funeral  in  a  body,  and  wear  the  usual  badge  of  mourning. 

Resolved,  That  next  to  the  family  of  the  deceased,  we  sympathise  with  the 
officers  and  privates  of  the  gallant  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth,  in  the  loss 
of  their  able  and  gallant  leader.  W7hile  his  loss  to  the  regiment  cannot  be  sup 
plied,  it  is  doubtless  a  consolation  to  all  of  its  members  that  he  fell  in  the  cause 


COLONEL  WILLARD. 


to  which  they  are  devotiug  their  lives,  and  in  encountering  dangers  which  to  the 
true  soldier  never  stand  in  the  way  of  a  faithful  performance  of  duty. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions,  signed  by  the  Mayor  and  Clerk, 
and  bearing  the  Common  Seal  of  the  City,  be  transmitted  to  the  family  of  the 
deceased,  and  also  to  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment. 

Alderman  Charles  Eddy  spoke  at  some  length  of  the  character  and  services  of 
the  late  Colonel  Willard  aud  moved  the  adoption  of  the  Resolutions. 

The  Resolutions  were  adopted. 

The  Mayor,  Alderman  McManus,  and  Alderman  C.  Eddy  were  appointed  a 
committee  to  confer  as  to  the  proper  arrangements  for  attending  the  funeral. 

On  motion,  the  board  adjourned. 

F.  B.  HUBBELL,  City  Clerk. 

The  funeral  services  were  recorded  in  the  same  paper,  and 
gavefexpression  in  deed  to  the  honor  voiced  in  word  : 

COLONEL  WILLARD'S  FUNERAL. 

"The  funeral  of  the  late  Colonel  George  Lamb  Willard, 
commanding  the  Third  Brigade,  Third  Division,  Second 
Army  Corps,  who  fell  on  Thursday  last  at  the  battle  of 
Gettysburg,  took  place  this  morning  from  the  residence  of 
Honorable  Elias  Plum,  father-in-law  of  the  deceased  officer, 
in  Second  Street.  More  imposing  ceremonies  have  rarely 
been  witnessed.  A  large  procession  of  military,  the  Common 
Councils  of  two  cities,  with  numerous  friends  and  relatives, 
contributed  to  form  an  unusually  large  assemblage.  The 
remains  of  the  lamented  dead  reposed  in  an  elegant  burial- 
casket,  which  was  guarded  by  the  faithful  servant  of  the 
deceased,  Private  Wiseman.  The  glass  case  was  covered 
with  a  profusion  of  natural  flowers.  The  upper  part  of  the 
face  looked  quite  natural,  but  the  lower  portion  was  covered, 
to  hide  the  wound  which  in  an  instant  changed  the  heroic 
leader  to  a  pale  corpse.  Many  hundred  persons  availed 
themselves  of  the  opportunity  to  gaze  upon  the  features  of 
the  departed  hero.  Indeed  it  was  with  difficulty  that  order 
was  preserved  among  the  throng  that  crowded  about  the 
coffin. 

"  Among  the  many  persons  present  at  the  funeral  cere 
monies  were  Adjutant-General  J.  T.  Sprague,  Mayor  Perry, 


128       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

Chief  Engineer  McQuade,  and  the  Common  Council  of 
Albany,  Mayor  Van  Alstyne  and  most  of  the  Troy  Board  of 
Aldermen,  Brigadier-General  Allen  and  staff,  the  officers  of 
the  Second  Regiment,  and  nearly  all  of  our  prominent  citi 
zens.  The  Episcopal  burial  service  was  read  by  Reverend  Dr. 
Coit,  assisted  by  Reverend  Dr.  Tucker,  Reverend  Mr.  Maxey 
and  Reverend  Mr.  Wainwright.  Its  beautiful  solemnity  was 
in  keeping  with  the  mournful  occasion.  At  the  conclusion  of 
the  services  the  body  was  taken  to  the  hearse — the  following 
officers  acting  as  bearers:  Lieutenant-Colonel  Olmstead, 
Major  Tibbits,  Major  Wilson,  Captain  McConihe,  of  the  late 
Second  Regiment ;  Lieutenant  Cooly  of  the  Regular  army, 
and  Major  Burton,  of  General  Allen's  staff.  The  hearse  was 
draped  with  the  American  flag,  and  drawn  by  four  horses. 
The  military  escort  was  quite  large,  and  presented  a  fine 
appearance.  Lieutenant-Colonel  W.  H.  Lawton  was  in 
command  of  the  battalion.  It  consisted  of  the  Troy  Citi 
zens'  Corps.  Captain  Sims,  several  companies  of  the  Twenty- 
fourth  Regiment,  and  a  detachment  of  Regulars  from  the 
Arsenal.  Preceded  by  Doring's  Band,  they  marched  with 
reversed  arms  to  Oakwood  Cemetery,  where  the  usual  ser 
vices  at  the  grave  took  place — the  last  volley  over  the  coffin 
being  fired  by  the  entire  battalion.  A  long  line  of  carriages 
followed  the  body  to  its  final  resting-place. 

"  Thus  were  the  last  honors  paid  to  one  of  the  noblest  vic 
tims  of  the  struggle  for  the  Union.  He  fell  while  resist 
ing  the  advance  of  a  desperate  foe,  at  the  threshold  of  a 
sister  State  ;  he  reposes  among  friends  in  beautiful  Oakwood. 
Citizens  who  honored  his  military  talents  and  respected  his 
private  character  while  living,  have  paid  the  last  tribute  to 
the  gallant  dead.  And  when  the  echoes  of  this  fearful  con 
flict  die  away,  and  the  names  of  the  slain  stand  as  an 
enduring  record,  the  page  will  be  a  bright  one  that  will 
contain  in  letters  of  living  light,  the  name  of  Colonel  George 
L.  Willard." 


CHAPTER  X. 

GETTYSBURG — THIRD  DAY. 

/"~\NE  more  day  remained  ere  the  great  battle  should  end. 
^-^  On  the  night  preceding,  with  a  caution  and  wisdom 
which  evermore  characterized  General  Meade,  he  assembled 
the  prominent  commanders  of  the  Union  forces  at  his  head 
quarters  on  the  Taneytown  road.  The  building,  somewhat 
altered  and  improved,  still  stands.  But  picture  was  taken 
of  the  building  as  this  appeared  at  the  time  of  the  battle.  If 
it  was  well  selected  as  headquarters  in  view  of  its  central 
location,  it  was  directly  on  the  field  and  was  completely  ex 
posed  to  artillery  fire.  A  higher  position  might,  for  some 
reasons,  have  been  better  chosen.  But  the  commanding  Gen 
eral  preferred  to  be  where  he  personally  could  best  direct 
the  troops  in  the  engagement.  At  that  night-council  the 
question  submitted  was :  "  What  shall  be  done  ?  Stay,  and 
fight  it  out?  If  so,  wait  for  the  enemy  to  assault  again?  If 
so,  how  long  wait,  before  assuming  the  offensive  and  charge 
him  ?"  The  Generals  consulted,  while  differing  in  judgment 
of  the  length  of  time  to  wait  before  assaulting  Lee,  voted 
unanimously  to  remain  and  fight  it  out.  General  Meade, 
fully  concurring  in  the  decision,  and  personally  having  had 
from  the  afternoon  of  the  first  day  no  other  thought,  em 
phatically  announced  the  decision.  He  subsequently  testi 
fied  before  the  Committee  of  Congress  on  the  Conduct  of 
the  War :  "  The  decision  fully  agreed  with  my  own  views, 
that  we  should  maintain  our  lines  as  they  were  then  held, 
and  that  we  should  await  the  movements  of  the  enemy,  and 
see  whether  he  made  any  farther  attack  before  assuming  the 


130      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

offensive."  These  words  should  be  noted,  inasmuch  as  three, 
and  only  three,  out  of  the  large  number  of  officers  who  served 
under  Meade  at  Gettysburg,  have  asserted  that  he  had  formed 
a  purpose  to  retreat ;  and  one  goes  so  far  as  to  assert  that 
Meade  was  indignant  at  the  decision  of  the  Council.  Gen 
eral  Meade  denied  this  when  living,  and  his  son,  Colonel 
George  Meade,  has  devoted  to  its  refutation  an  entire  book. 
No  words  could  be  more  conclusive  than  was  General 
Meade's  own  testimony  before  the  Congressional  Committee. 
Those  who  knew  the  man  would  never  question  the  credibil 
ity  of  such  language  as  the  following:  "I  deny  under  the 
full  sanctity  of  my  oath  and  in  the  firm  conviction  that  the 


GENERAL  MEADE'S  HEADQUARTERS. 

day  will  come  when  the  secrets  of  all  men  shall  be  known — I 
utterly  deny  ever  having  intended  or  thought  for  one  instant 
to  withdraw  that  army,  unless  the  military  contingencies 
which  the  future  should  develop  during  the  course  of  the 
day,  might  render  it  a  matter  of  necessity  that  the  army 
should  be  withdrawn." 

There  was  no  council  of  war  at  General  Lee's  headquar 
ters.  His  purpose  was  formed.  In  view  of  what  had  been 
done  on  his  right  by  Longstreet,  and  what  promised  good 
results  on  his  left,  he  says :  "  These  partial  successes  deter 
mined  me  to  continue  the  assault  next  day."  Against  this, 
General  Longstreet  was  most  earnestly  opposed.  He  still 
adhered  to  his  idea  of  withdrawing  the  army  and  throwing  it 


GETTYSBURG.  131 

in  rear  of  the  Union  forces,  and,  taking  up  a  defensive  posi 
tion,  compel  Meade  to  fight  at  disadvantage.  He  so  urged 
upon  General  Lee,  but  the  latter  was  persistent.  General 
Longstreet  says  of  him,  as  he  appeared  the  day  before: 
"  He  seemed  under  a  subdued  excitement  which  occasionally 
took  possession  of  him  when  '  the  hunt  was  up,'  and  threat 
ened  his  superb  equipoise.  He  appeared  to  be  acting  under 
the  impulse  of  a  great  mind  disturbed  by  unparalleled  con 
ditions.  He  seems  to  have  been  carried  away  by  over-con 
fidence  in  the  prowess  of  his  troops,  and  to  have  believed 
that  they  could  do  anything."  Afterwards,  General  Lee  ad 
mitted  and  positively  declared  that  he  was  wrong  and  that 
General  Longstreet  was  right. 

The  morning  of  the  third  day  of  July  dawned  bright  and 
clear  on  the  field  of  Gettysburg.  At  the  West  and  around 
the  heights  of  Vicksburg,  the  sun  arose  upon  our  arms  vic 
torious  and  lit  the  way  for  the  entrance  into  that  town  of 
General  Grant  and  his  triumphant  troops.  It  was  to  set 
upon  the  hills  of  Gettysburg,  with  the  Union  banners  waving 
in  victory.  We  will  look  upon  the  culminating  strife  of  the 
battle  from  both  sides  of  the  line.  What  was  not  possible 
then,  is  possible  now,  possessed  as  we  are  of  the  accounts  of 
leading  actors  on  both  sides  of  the  scene.  We  thus  give  a 
juster  view  of  the  climax  of  the  battle.  Before  doing  so, 
however,  look  first  to  the  right  of  our  position.  What  threat 
ened  to  be  a  serious  misfortune  claimed  our  attention  the 
first  thing  in  the  morning. 

The  withdrawal  of  troops  from  the  right  of  our  line  to  meet 
the  onset  on  the  left,  the  afternoon  before,  left  our  position 
between  Gulp's  Hill  and  McAllister's  Mills  wholly  exposed. 
Thus  when  at  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening  of  the  second  day, 
General  Johnson's  Division  of  General  Swell's  forces  pressed 
forward,  finding  no  opposition,  and  not  knowing  that  they 
were  inside  of  our  lines,  they  laid  down  to  rest.  If  they  had 
known  their  advantage  and  had  pressed  it,  it  would  have 
been  greatly  in  their  favor.  When  that  portion  of  the 
Twelfth  Corps  which  had  been  stationed  here,  but  had  been 


132        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

withdrawn  to  take  part  in  the  fight  on  the  left,  returned  at 
night  to  resume  their  old  quarters,  they  found  these  in  the 
possession  of  the  enemy.  It  was  hard,  rough  ground  to  take 
or  retake  in  face  of  a  determined  foe,  but  dispositions  were 
made  for  an  early  assault ;  hands  uncovered  for  hard  blows 
on  the  morrow.  The  morrow  came,  and  with  it  the  blows. 
How  they  pound,  pound,  pound,  through  the  passing  hours 
of  the  morning,  until  the  silence  tells  that  all  is  well ;  and  the 
extreme  point  to  right  on  our  long  fishhook-line  of  battle 
still  holds  the  baffled  enemy.  Early  in  the  morning,  at  four 
o'clock,  the  fighting  began  at  Gulp's  Hill,  and  by  seven  it 


GULP  S  HILL. 


was  fully  joined.  What  it  was,  the  visitor  now  to  the  battle 
ground  may  better  realize  as  he  views  the  position  of  the 
opposing  forces  and  the  intervening  space.  It  raged  for  five 
hours,  and  was  so  spirited  that  General  Geary,  who  was  here 
engaged,  thought  it  must  have  been  the  chief  part  of  the 
entire  battle.  That  was  a  common  impression  of  men  in 
action,  who  most  keenly  realized  the  sternness  of  that  part 
of  the  strife,  whose  frightful  breath  touched  their  own  per 
sons.  The  action  resulted  in  driving  the  rebels  clear  over 
Rock  Creek,  and  in  the  re-occupation  of  our  works. 

But  turn  to  the  left.     General  Lee  is  resolved  upon  an 
attack  upon  our    left  centre,  where  was  the  Second  Corps 


GETTYSBURG.  133 

—upon  the  Second  and  Third  Divisions  of  which  must  fall 
the  force  of  the  blow.  (Our  regiment  was  in  the  Third 
Division.)  Let  us  permit  General  Longstreet  of  the  rebel 
army  to  speak.  He  says :  "  On  the  next  morning  [of  the 
third]  he  [General  Lee]  came  to  me,  and  fearing  that  he  was 
still  in  the  disposition  to  attack,  I  tried  to  anticipate  him, 
saying :  *  General,  I  had  my  scouts  out  all  night,  and  I  find 
that  you  still  have  an  excellent  opportunity  to  move  around 
to  the  right  of  Meade's  army  and  manoeuvre  him  into  attack 
ing  us. '  He  replied,  pointing  with  his  fist  at  Cemetery  Hill : 
'The  enemy  is  there,  and  I  am  going  to  strike  him.'  I  felt 
then  that  it  was  my  duty  to  express  my  convictions.  I  said : 
*  General,  I  have  been  a  soldier  all  my  life.  I  have  been  with 
soldiers  engaged  in  fights  by  couples,  by  squads,  companies, 
regiments,  divisions  and  armies,  and  should  know  as  wrell  as 
any  one  what  soldiers  can  do.  It  is  my  opinion  that  no 
1 5,000  men  ever  arrayed  for  battle  can  take  that  position,' 
pointing  to  Cemetery  Hill.  General  Lee  in  reply  to  this 
ordered  me  to  prepare  Pickett's  Division  for  the  attack." 

The  morning  was  consumed  in  the  preparations.  The  plan 
of  assault — General  Longstreet  says — was  as  follows  :  "  Our 
artillery  was  to  be  massed  in  a  wood  from  which  Pickett 
was  to  charge,  and  it  was  to  pour  a  continuous  fire  upon  the 
Cemetery.  Under  cover  of  this  fire  and  supported  by  it, 
Pickett  was  to  charge.  Our  artillery  was  in  charge  of 
General  E.  P.  Alexander,  a  brave  and  gifted  officer."  "The 
arrangements  were  completed  about  one  o'clock."  "At 
exactly  1.30  P.  M.,"  the  order  was  penned:  "Let  the  bat 
teries  open,  order  great  precision  in  firing." 

Hasten  back  within  our  lines.  At  the  time  mentioned, 
while  many  of  our  men  were  resting  and  sleeping  on  the 
ground ;  while  some  were  eating  and  others  smoking,  sud 
denly  the  storm  of  death  anew  burst  forth.  From  the  south 
west,  west,  north  and  northeast  poured  the  missiles  of  death. 
A  hundred  and  forty  guns  roared  and  spit  from  hot  mouths 
the  thunderbolts,  to  which  our  artillery  from  four  score  can 
non  sent  lightning  reply.  For  about  an  hour  and  a-half  the 


134      ONE   HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  X.  V.  S.  VOLS. 

fiery  storm  throbs  on.  The  air  all  over  the  wide  field  was 
fierce  and  heavy  with  the  iron  hail.  The  greater  portion 
of  the  field  was  swept  by  the  fiery  shot.  Horses  and  men 
dropped  crushed  and  dead.  The  main  objective  point  was 
our  left  centre,  where  was  our  regiment,  and  near  which  were 
General  Meade's  headquarters.  Swinton  writes  of  this  can 
nonading  :  "  As  a  spectacle,  this — the  greatest  artillery  com 
bat  that  ever  occurred  on  the  continent — was  magnificent 
beyond  description,  and  realized  all  that  is  grandiose  in  the 
circumstance  of  war." 

About  half-past  two,  by  order  of  the  Union  Commander, 
our  guns  for  the  most  part  ceased  firing,  in  order  to  give 
them  an  opportunity  to  cool ;  for  the  object  of  the  rebel 
bombardment  was  divined  by  our  officers  as  the  customary 
prelude  to  a  charge.  But  hurry  to  General  Longstreet's  side 
again.  A  note  comes  from  General  Alexander  to  General 
Pickett — who  is  near  Longstreet,  that  reads  as  follows  :  "  If 
you  are  coming  at  all  you  must  come  at  once,  or  I  cannot 
give  you  proper  support,  but  the  enemy's  fire  has  not 
slackened  at  all ;  at  least  eighteen  guns  are  still  firing  from 
the  Cemetery  itself."  The  note  is  handed  to  General  Long- 
street.  He  describes  what  followed :  "  After  I  had  read 
the  note,  Pickett  said  to  me  :  '  General,  shall  I  advance  ?  ' 
My  feelings  had  so  overcome  me  that  I  would  not  speak  for 
fear  of  betraying  my  want  of  confidence  in  him.  I  bowed 
affirmation  and  turned  to  mount  my  horse.  Pickett  imme 
diately  said :  '  I  shall  lead  my  division  forward,  sir.'  I 
spurred  my  horse  to  the  wood  where  Alexander  was  stationed 
with  artillery.  When  I  reached  him  he  told  me  of  the  disap 
pearance  of  the  seven  guns  which  were  to  have  led  the 
charge  with  Pickett,  and  that  his  ammunition  was  so  low 
that  he  could  not  properly  support  the  charge.  I  at  once 
ordered  him  to  stop  Pickett  until  the  ammunition  had  been 
replenished.  He  then  informed  me  that  he  had  no  ammu 
nition  with  which  to  replenish.  I  then  saw  that  there  was 
no  help  for  it,  and  that  Pickett  must  advance  under  his 
orders.  He  swept  past  our  artillery  in  splendid  style,  and 


GETTYSI5UKCJ.  135 

the  men  marched  steadily  and  compactly  down  the  slope. 
As  they  started  up  the  ridge,  over  one  hundred  cannon 
from  the  breastworks  of  the  Federals  hurled  a  rain  of  can 
ister,  grape  and  shell  down  upon  them  ;  still  they  pressed 
on  until  half  way  up  the  slope,  when  the  crest  of  the  hill  was 
lit  up  with  a  solid  sheet  of  flame  as  the  masses  of  infantry 
rose  and  fired.  When  the  smoke  cleared  away  Pickett's 


REBEL     CHARGE     ON     CEMETERY     HILL. 
Gettysburg,  July  3d,  1863. 

THIRD  BRIGADE,  3D  DIV.,  2o  CORPS. 

Division  was  gone.  Nearly  two-thirds  of  his  men  lay  dead 
on  the  field,  and  the  survivors  were  sullenly  retreating  down 
the  hill.  Mortal  man  could  not  have  stood  the  fire." 

Now,  look  through  Union  eyes  from  Cemetery  Hill  west 
ward.  See !  from  the  woods  covering  Seminary  Ridge  that 
magnificent  line  of  men — a  mile  long,  three  lines  deep, 
and  each  line  a  double  line — upwards  of  fifteen  thousand 
strong,  marching  with  banners  flying,  marching  as  on  dress 


136        OXK  IirXDRKI)  AM)  TWKXTY-FIFTII  X.  V.  S.  VOLS. 

parade.  One  part  overlaps  to  left,  and  another  part  to  right 
the  advancing  lines.  And  they  are  coming  towards  us  in 
a  last  desperate  charge,  coming  over  an  open,  undulating 
field  a  mile  in  width.  Desperation  of  desperation  !  On  the 
hill  is  the  Second  Corps  ;  and  the  rest  of  the  Union  army  is 
in  good,  strong  position  to  right  and  left.  Now,  belch  once 
more,  Union  guns !  And  the  solid  shot  from  left  and  right 
and  front  dart  at  the  desperate  men.  As  they  come  nearer, 
the  shell  burst  among  them  ;  nearer  still,  and  the  canis 
ter  rains  upon  them.  They  are  at  Emmettsburg  road. 
They  mount  the  fence.  Now,  at  them,  men  !  Commanded 
"  to  hold  the  fire  until  the  enemy  come  near  enough,"  the 
moment  to  strike  has  come.  And  the  infantry,  along  the 
crest  of  the  assaulted  hill,  arise  and  pour  full  into  the  faces 
of  the  foe  the  death-winged  bullet.  In  front  of  us  they  fall, 
or  surrender,  or  speed  back.  To  left  they  press  forward; 
they  touch,  at  "  death  angle,"  the  stone  wall.  The  brave 
Armistead  and  four-score  men  at  his  call  cross  the  wall,  only 
to  drop  wounded  or  dead ;  Armistead,  soon  to  die.  Another 
two  thousand  surrender  ;  the  remainder,  not  dead  or  helpless, 
fly  to  their  rear.  And  the  glad  shout  of  victory  goes  sweep 
ing  along  the  Union  lines.  Meade  is  riding  forward  ;  he  is 
met  by  an  aide  who  tells  him  of  the  rebel  repulse.  General 
Meade  lifts  his  hand  and  waves  it,  and  exclaims,  "  Thank 
God  !"  and  the  loyal  people  over  all  the  North  soon  bowed 
reverently  their  heads  and  responded  heartily,  Amen  ! 

But,  what  of  the  regiment?  Some  of  its  number  had  been 
on  the  skirmish  line  all  day.  Lieutenant  Merritt  Miller,  with 
others,  had  served  in  command  of  the  skirmishers  during  the 
morning ;  and  another  of  our  officers,  Captain  Samuel  C. 
Armstrong,  was  in  charge  of  the  brigade  pickets,  from  before 
the  cannonading  and  under  its  fierce  progress.  During  the 
morning  the  men  hugged  the  ground,  for  the  firing  \vas  hot, 
the  rebels  pouring  in  a  flank  fire  on  the  picket-line,  from  the 
houses  of  Gettysburg,  killing  and  wounding  some  of  our 
men.  About  noon,  Captain  Armstrong  withdrew  the  line 
for  rest  to  the  reserve  station  on  the  Emmettsburg  road  ;  and 


GETTYSBURG.  137 

at  this  point  they  were  under  the  artillery  fire  which  pre 
ceded  Pickett's  charge.  The  shot  and  shell  from  both  sides 
passed  over  their  heads.  Noticing  a  lull  in  the  cannonading, 
Captain  Armstrong  looked  around  and  saw  the  Confederate 
lines  marching  grandly  down  the  slope  towards  our  men.  He 
immediately  ordered  the  entire  picket-reserve  and  all  whom 
he  could  muster — about  seventy-five  all  told — to  fall  in,  and 
led  them  on  the  "  double-quick"  about  three  hundred  yards 
down  the  Emmettsburg  road,  to  get  at  the  enemy  in  flank. 


%?      Jr^f' 


CAPTAIN  SAMUEL  C.  ARMSTRONG. 

Finding  a  rail  fence  at  right  angle  to  their  advancing  line, 
some  sixty  or  seventy  yards  from  their  extreme  left,  he  posted 
his  men  along  the  rail  fence.  They  took  position  unflinch 
ingly ;  and,  resting  their  rifles  on  the  top  of  the  fence,  took 
deliberate  aim  and  poured  a  murderous  fire  into  the  rebel 
flank,  comprising  Pettigrew's  men.  The  Confederate  leader 
afterwards  confessed  surprise  that  this  part  of  the  charging 
line  should  have  been  the  first  to  break.  To  the  Eighth  Ohio 
has  been  given  the  credit  for  the  flank  fire  which  contributed 
efficiently  to  this  result.  But,  distinct  record  should  go  into 


138      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

general  history  of  Captain  Armstrong's  brave  and  skillful  part 
at  that  important  point  of  the  battle.  From  Captain  Arm 
strong's  position  the  Confederate  dead  could  be  seen  lying  in 
heaps.  Hundreds  of  the  charging  line  prostrated  themselves 
on  their  backs  in  the  Emmettsburg  road,  and  waved  their 
hats  and  handkerchiefs  in  token  of  surrender.  Some  of  the 
bravest  rushed  close  to  the  main  Union  line,  and  fell  a  few 
yards  away.  Of  the  five  officers  who  served  with  Captain 
Armstrong  in  his  brave  action,  which  aided  in  the  great  vic 
tory  secured,  he  was  the  only  survivor.  As  he  remembers, 
the  first  Confederate  line  near  his  position  was  nearly  all  shot 
down  or  captured  ;  the  second  line  did  not  support  the  first 
efficiently  ;  and  the  third  did  not  get  at  all  into  the  thick  of 
the  fight. 

The  position  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  during 
Pickett's  charge  was  immediately  behind  the  stone  wall, 
at  the  place  occupied  by  the  regiment  during  the  second 
day  and  before  the  charge  made  in  the  swale,  where  Colonel 
Willard  was  killed.  The  position  was  directly  to  the  left  of 
the  Bryan  barn.  Some  one  not  connected  with  the  regiment 
has  located  the  position  on  a  second  line  some  yards  to  the 
rear  of  the  stone  wall.  This  error  will  be  corrected  when  a 
monument  marks — as  it  soon  will — the  true  ground.  Other 
troops  were  mingled  with  our  regiment  at  the  crucial  point. 

When  the  rebel  line  broke,  our  color-sergeant,  Harrison 
Clark,  sprang  over  the  wall  and  bore  the  flag  proudly  down 
the  slope  to  the  fence  skirting  the  Emmettsburg  road.  In 
the  shelling  that  preceded  the  charge,  among  others  killed 
was  John  W.  Defreest,  a  near  relative  of  the  writer;  one 
who  had  passed  with  his  brother  and  his  captain,  Ephraim 
Wood  of  H  Company,  through  the  rebel  lines  investing  Har 
per's  Ferry. 

Bravely  standing  behind  that  historic  stone  wall  was  the 
captain  just  named,  who  scorned  the  defence  of  even  a  low 
field-marking  fence,  and  with  needless  boldness  faced  death. 
And  death  came.  A  bullet  pierced  his  abdomen,  and  he 
was  borne  from  the  field  to  the  hospital  at  Rock  Creek, 


GETTYSBURG.  139 

there — the  next  day — to  die.  Willard  D.  Green,  of  H  Com 
pany,  saw  him  the  moment  he  was  struck.  Sergeant  Jacob 
Houch  and  the  writer  kneeled  at  the  brave  dying  man's  side, 
who,  after  intense  suffering,  passed  away,  speaking  with  last 
breath  the  name  of  his  wife.  Captain  Wood  was  always 
much  interested  in  military  affairs.  He  was,  before  the  war, 
Captain  of  the  Troy  City  Artillery  Company.  He  was  born 
May  I4th,  1818.  He  was  a  man  of  true,  firm  principle.  The 
writer  once  heard  him,  when  he  was  asked  to  put  his  name 
to  a  paper,  of  the  correctness  of  which  he  did  not  know,  say : 


CAPTAIN  EPHRATM  WOOD. 

"  I  cannot  do  it."  When  told,  that  he  might  venture  to  do  it, 
he  replied:  "  I  will  do  right,  though  the  heavens  fall."  His 
short  career  with  the  regiment,  displayed,  in  all  of  its  phases, 
from  Harper's  Ferry  to  Gettysburg,  the  qualities  of  a  true 
man  and  a  brave  soldier.  He  died  a  true  Christian. 

Captain  Thomas  F.  Sheldon  was  also  among  the  wounded 
in  the  battle.  A  bullet  pierced  his  arm.  The  wound  was 
slow  in  healing.  He  returned  to  the  regiment  the  following 
winter.  He  was  with  his  company  at  Cold  Harbor,  and  at 
the  first  engagement  of  the  regiment  before  Petersburg,  af- 


140     ONE  HUNDRED  AND   TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

ter  which  he  returned  home  sick  with  typhoid  fever.  Cap 
tain  Sheldon  was  a  faithful  officer,  and  was  unusually  cheer 
ful  of  spirit.  He  was  born  at  Millville,  N.  Y.,  March  22d, 
1840.  When  three  years  old  he  moved  to  Troy.  Later,  he 
made  his  home  at  Greenpoint,  L.  I.  In  1859  ne  returned  to 
Troy  and  became  shipping  clerk  in  the  foundry  of  Smith, 
Sheldon  &  Co.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Troy  Citizens' 
Corps ;  and,  filled  with  military  ardor,  he  united  with  Cap 
tain  S.  C.  Armstrong  in  raising  D  Company  of  the  One  Hun- 


CAPTAIN  THOMAS  F.   SHELDON. 

dred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment.  He  is  still  living  at  the 
time  of  this  writing.  He  makes  his  home  at  Greenpoint, 
L.  I.,  and,  to  the  great  regret  of  his  old  comrades,  is  suffering 
through  almost  complete  blindness.  Among  others  severely 
wounded  were  comrades  Henry  Wheeler  and  Eugene  L. 
Demers.  Both  of  these  men  were,  previous  to  their  enlist 
ment  employees,  in  the  office  of  the  Troy  Times,  the  former 
returning  to  his  old  position  and  there  remaining  until  the 
present.  Each  lost  a  leg  at  Gettysburg,  and  both  have  been 


GETTYSBURG.  141 

honored  since  the  war  with  positions  of  responsibility.  The 
former  has  served  as  assistant  door-keeper,  assistant  sergeant- 
at-arms  and  sergeant-at-arms  of  the  N.  Y.  State  Assembly; 
and  the  latter  has  been  honored  by  the  voters  of  his  district 
with  election  to  the  office  of  Assemblyman.  Mr.  Demers  is 
a  brother  of  the  late  George  W.  Demers,  who  for  years  was 
eminent  as  a  journalist,  and  possessed  rare  gifts  as  a  speaker; 
and,  for  a  time,  filled — ^as  pastor — the  pulpit  of  the  Sand 
Lake  Baptist  Church. 

Lieutenants  Donald   Gillis,  an  accomplished    officer  and  a 


LIEUTENANT  LEE  CHURCHILL. 


brave  man,  and  Aaron  J.  Goodrich,  were  among  the  wounded. 
Lieutenant  Lee  Churchill,  although  receiving  four  wounds, 
held  to  his  place,  failing  to  go  to  the  rear.  He  was  a  man 
of  few  words,  but  his  fidelity  and  valor  were  proved  in  re 
peated  battles,  and  his  record  continues  with  that  of  the  reg 
iment.  Abner  Quitterfield  lost  an  arm  in  the  battle.  The 
full  record  of  the  killed  and  wounded  in  this  and  the  follow 
ing  engagements  of  the  regiment  will  be  found  in  the  roster. 
H.  D.  Coleman,  suffering  still  from  the  effects  of  injuries  re 
ceived  through  the  concussion  of  a  shell  at  Harper's  Ferry, 
remained  with  the  regiment  until  after  Gettysburg.  He  was 


142      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  V.  S.  VOLS. 

one  of  the  men,  known  as  "  privates,"  who  under  the  leader- 
ship  of  brave  men,  wrought  the  hard  work  of  the  war.  The 
sword  filled  its  important  place  ;  but  that  place  was  to  point 
the  way  for  the  rifle  and  the  cannon  to  deal  their  effective 
blows.  Equal  honor  is  due  to  officers  and  enlisted  men  who 
fought  at  Gettysburg  and  on  scores  of  bloody  fields.  Lieu- 


H.   D.  COLEMAN. 

tenant-colonel  Crandell   received  several  slight  wounds,  but 
refrained  from  making  mention  of  them. 

The  losses  in  the  entire  battle  were  appalling.  But  they 
fell  with  unusual  severity  upon  the  Confederate  army,  which 
had  less  future  resources  to  draw  upon.  On  the  Union  side 
fell  2,834  killed  ;  13,709  wounded  ;  6,643  missing.  The  Con 
federates  lost  3,500  killed;  14,500  wounded;  13,621  missing; 
an  aggregate,  on  both  sides,  of  over  50,000,  or  considerably 
more  than  one  fourth  of  the  entire  forces  engaged.  An 
estimate  has  been  made  of  the  casualties  as  compared  with 
other  o-reat  historic  battles.  It  reads: 


GETTYSBURG.  1 43 

"  It  is  not  uninteresting  to  state  what  have  been  the 
bloodiest  battles  of  the  last  hundred  years,  that  is,  to  com 
pute  the  percentage  of  loss  to  the  numbers  engaged.  Within 
the  allotted  time  the  Napoleonic  battles  come  first.  The 
battle  of  Lodi,  Bonaparte's  first  brilliant  success,  was  simply 
the  daring  passage  of  a  bridge,  and  does  not  enter  into  the 
computation.  Arcola  was  the  most  sanguinary  struggle  of 
the  Italian  campaign.  The  forces  engaged  numbered  about 
70,000,  and  the  loss  was  about  25,000,  or  about  35  per  cent. 
At  Rivioli  there  were  80,000  men  engaged,  and  the  loss  was 
40,000,  but  20,000  of  these  consisted  of  Austrians  who  sur 
rendered  to  Napoleon,  so  that  the  real  loss  was  only  25  per 
cent. 

"After  Bonaparte's  return  from  Egypt  he  fought  the  battle 
of  Marengo.  In  its  results  this  was  one  of  the  most  momen 
tous  engagements  in  history,  but  all  accounts  agree  that  it 
was  the  worst-planned  and  worst-fought  of  all  Bonaparte's 
victories.  There  were  60,000  men  engaged,  and  the  loss  was 
17,000,  or  about  1 8  per  cent.  At  the  battle  of  Austerlitz, 
which  by  many  is  considered  Napoleon's  most  brilliant  vic 
tory,  the  French  and  Austro-Russian  armies  numbered 
210,000  men,  and  the  loss  was  40,000,  or  about  18  per  cent. 
At  Jena-Auerstadt  there  were  325,000  men  engaged,  and 
the  loss  was  40,000,  or  about  12  per  cent.  At  Borodino- 
there  were  170,000  men  in  battle,  and  80,000  were  killed  and 
wounded,  amounting  to  more  than  47  per  cent.  At  Leipsic 
there  were  500,000  men  in  the  battle,  which  lasted  three 
days,  and  the  loss  was  1 10,000,  or  22  per  cent.  At  Waterloo- 
140,000  men  were  engaged  and  the  loss  was  40,000,  or  28 
percent.  In  the  Crimean  War  there  were  125,000  men  at 
the  battle  of  Inkermann,  and  the  casualties  amounted  to 
25,000,  or  20  per  cent.  At  Magenta  there  were  225,000  men  ; 
the  loss  was  about  II  per  cent.,  or  about  25,000.  At  Solfe- 
rino  there  were  250,000,  and  the  loss  was  40,000,  or  16  per 
cent.  At  Sadowa  the  hostile  forces  numbered  425,000,  and 
70,000,  or  1 6  percent.,  were  killed  and  wounded.  At  Grave- 
lotte  there  were  450,000  men  in  the  encounter,  ©f  whom 


144      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

35,000,  or  about  8  per  cent,  were  killed  and  wounded.  At 
Shiloh  the  armies  numbered  90,000.  and  the  loss  was  30,000 
or  one-third.  At  Fredericksburg  there  were  180,000,  and 
the  loss  was  20,000,  or  1 1  per  cent.  At  Antietam  there 
were  150,000,  and  the  loss  was  20,000,  or  about  13  per  cent. 
At  Chickamauga  there  were  105,000,  and  the  loss  was  30,000, 
or  29  per  cent.  At  Chancellorsville  there  were  150,000,  and 
the  loss  was  30,000,  or  29  per  cent.  At  Gettysburg  there 
were  160,000,  and  the  loss  amounted  to  57,000,  or  39  per 
cent.  Thus  the  figures  show  that  Borodino  was  the  blood 
iest  battle  of  modern  times,  with  Gettysburg  in  the  second 
place." 

The  fighting  on  both  sides  during  the  three  days'  battle 
was  unsurpassed.  General  Longstreet  declares  of  the  en 
gagement  of  the  second  afternoon,  that  it  was  "  the  best 
three  hours'  fighting  ever  done  on  any  battle-field."  But  it 
was  not  a  one  sided  story.  For  two  hours  Sickles  held  his 
line,  and  Peach  Orchard,  at  the  salient,  was  not  fairly  pene 
trated  until  six  o'clock.  General  Graham,  in  command  at 
that  point,  made  a  brave  stand,  and  fell,  severely  wounded, 
into  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  General  Sickles  himself  was 
shot  down  near  the  Trostle  house,  and  has  since  walked  a 
maimed  man.  The  evening  of  that  day  found  our  men  to 
west  of  the  wheat-field,  and  the  rebels  back  at  the  Em- 
mettsburg  road.  Never  did  the  rebels  make  grander  charge 
than  on  the  afternoon  of  the  third  day,  and  never  was  valiant 
foe  more  valiantly  repulsed.  A  thin  line  of  men  on  Ceme 
tery  Hill,  and  along  the  stone  wall  turned  back  the  charge, 
and  gathered  the  large  fruitage,  in  men  and  colors,  of  victory. 
Six  thousand  men  defeated  a  force  estimated  at  from  four 
teen  to  nineteen  thousand  strong.  As  one  rebel  officer  came 
within  our  line,  he  looked  about  and  asked,  "  Where  are  your 
men?"  He  was  pointed  to  the  line  and  told  "  There  they 
are,"  upon  which  he  said:  "If  I  had  known  that  this  is  all 
you  have,  I  would  not  have  surrendered."  General  Alexan 
der  Hays,  in  speech  more  emphatic  than  pious,  said  to  him : 
"  Go  back  and  try  it  over." 


GETTYSBURG.  145 

The  moral  effect  of  the  Union  triumph  was  great.  Wrote 
Pollard  :  "  In  twenty-four  hours  two  calamities  (Gettysburg 
and  Vicksburg)  changed  all  the  aspects  of  the  war,  and 
brought  the  South  from  an  unequalled  exaltation  of  hope  to 
the  very  brink  of  despair. 

As  the  battle  closed  a  shower  came  up,  and  on  the  eastern 
sky  was  painted  by  the  hand  of  God  a  beautiful  rainbow.  It 
was  a  remembrancer  of  his  promises  to  the  world  :  not  only 
to  the  natural  world,  that  the  waters  of  the  deluge  should 
never  return  to  destroy  the  earth,  but  of  his  gracious  prom 
ise,  that  Truth  and  Right  should  triumph  among  men  ;  and 
of  his  assurances  given  to  the  hearts  of  good  men  at  the  com 
mencement  of  the  war,  that  our  country  should  prevail  in  its 
struggle  for  Nationality  and  Liberty  ;  to  which  assurance  true 
hearts  clung  with  the  tenacity  of  an  earnest  Christian  faith 
through  all  the  dark  hours  of  strife  in  1862  and  the  spring  of 
'63.  The  hope  again  inspired  was  fulfilled.  The  bow  of 
promise,  bent  above  the  stormy  waves  of  rebellion,  was  the 
forerunner  of  the  final  receding  of  the  fierce  strife.  At 
Gettysburg  the  tide  of  rebellion  was  turned  back,  never  to 
rise  so  defiantly  again.  The  battle  of  Gettysburg  was  the 
turning-point  of  the  war  at  the  East,  as  the  fall  of  Vicksburg 
was  at  the  West ;  and  in  the  double  victory  the  East  was 
joined  to  the  West  in  that  onward  series  of  successes  that 
overwhelmed  the  Rebellion  and  secured  the  continuance  of 
the  Union. 

The  shower  alluded  to  was  succeeded  by  a  rain  which  fell 
freely,  as  if  to  wash  the  blood-stains  from  the  earth,  and  heal 
the  scarred  ground,  seamed  with  shot  and  shell  and  new- 
made  graves.  -  But  oh  !  it  did  not  heal  the  bruised'  men  nor 
the  wounded  hearts  in  the  tens  of  thousands  of  homes — 
North  and  South — of  the  killed  and  wounded  in  the  awful 
strife. 

If  no  pen  can  faithfully  describe  such  a  battle  as  Gettys 
burg,  so  no  hand  could  picture  the  scenes  between  the  lines 
and  at  the  rear,  after  rifle  and  sword  and  artillery  had  con 
cluded  their  work.  Wrote  one  soldier,  detailed  to  bury  the 


146        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  V.  S.  VOLS. 

dead :  "  They  lay  in  great  winrows  on  the  ground."  And 
at  the  rear  were  the  dead,  and  the  dying,  and  the  suffering 
wounded.  Barns  and  houses  were  crowded  with  wounded 
men.  The  outlying  grounds  were  covered.  On  rude  benches 
the  surgeons  wrought  their  needful,  merciful  work.  The 
barn — on  the  Taneytown  road,  on  the  very  battle-field — that 
served  as  a  hospital  for  the  men  of  the  One  Hundred  and 
Twenty-fifth  and  of  other  regiments,  after  the  fighting  of  the 
second  day,  was  full  of  the  wounded.  The  stalls  were  full  of 
them  ;  the  loft  was  full ;  the  yard  in  front  and  rear  was  full. 
When,  on  the  afternoon  of  the  third  day,  the  shelling  opened 
and  the  barn  was  found  exposed,  the  surgeons  were  directed 
to  Rock  Creek,  and  the  wounded  who  could  walk  went  with 
the  surgeons,  but  many  wounded  remained.  One  man— 
whom  the  writer  has  recently  learned  was  Hiram  D.  Clark — 
was  lying  unconscious,  with  leg  just  amputated,  on  the  oper 
ating  bench,  midway  on  the  floor  of  the  barn,  as  the  storm  of 
shell  burst  around  the  place.  But  he  aroused  from  the 
effects  of  the  chloroform  administered,  with  a  smile  on  his 
lips,  and  remained  uncomplainingly  all  that  fearful  afternoon. 
Dreadful  was  the  night  which  followed.  The  rain  now  fell 
as  in  torrents.  The  densest  darkness  filled  the  woods  by  the 
creek,  as  the  sad  cries — the  very  wailings  of  the  wounded 
peopled  the  air  with  images  of  distress.  That  night,  given 
to  the  care  of  hundreds  of  suffering  men — Confederates  and 
Union  men  mingled — remains  a  dark,  dread  memory.  But, 
over  against  the  darkness  of  the  suffering  was  the  brightness 
of  victory ;  and  the  price  paid  in  blood  was  none  too  great 
for  the  fruitage  to  the  Nation  and  the  world.  Some  things 
are  evermore  costly ;  and  they  are  the  more  prized  because 
their  price  is  paid  in  blood  and  death.  Rock  Creek,  in  that 
night  of  storm,  overflowed  its  banks,  and  the  ground  where 
the  wounded  were  lying  was  flooded.  The  men  were  hastily 
moved,  some  of  them  being  taken  from  a  foot  depth  of  water. 
The  writer  had  opportunity  then  to  witness  the  bravery  of 
men  whose  valor  was  equally  manifested  in  enduring  suffer 
ing  as  on  battle-field. 


LEVIN     CRANDELL 

COL.   125th    REGT.,    N.  Y.  V.    I  N  F'Y. 


CHAPTER    XL 

FORWARD  AM)  BACKWARD. 

WILLIAMSPORT  —  CKDAR  MOUNTAIN  —  ROBERTSON  RIVER  —  AUBURN  —  BRISTOE. 


too  much  space  has  been  devoted  to  Gettysburg, 
the  great  central  battle  of  the  war.  Well  had  it  been 
if  that  engagement  had  determined  fully  the  war  for  the 
Union  ;  as,  in  the  event  of  disaster  to  the  Army  of  the  Poto 
mac,  it  might  have  proved  decisive  against  the  Union.  Opin 
ion  will  always  be  divided  at  the  point  whether  General 
Meade  might  have  followed  Pickett's  charge  with  an  aggres 
sive  blow  which  could  have  completely  destroyed  Lee's  army. 
Rebel  generals  claim  that  had  such  an  assault  been  made, 
Pickett's  disaster  would  have  been  reversed  ;  for  they  hold 
that  the  position  at  Seminary  Ridge  and  the  disposition  of 
their  troops  could  easily  have  enabled  them  to  turn  back  a 
charge  of  the  Union  forces.  General  Meade  declared  that  the 
mistake  of  General  Sickles  on  the  afternoon  of  the  second 
day,  that  cost  us  so  many  men,  rendered  a  counter-charge  im 
practicable  ;  notwithstanding  the  Sixth  Corps  had  remained 
out  of  the  fight.  Lee  put  to  the  front  every  division  of  his 
army.  One  Corps,  the  largest  of  the  Union  Army,  coming 
late  on  the  field,  was  held,  to  the  last,  on  reserve.  Truth 
is,  the  end  was  not  yet  to  be.  The  war  must  go  on  until  the 
South  should  be  hopelessly  crippled,  and  would  of  necessity 
yield  all  claim  to  slavery  ;  and  until  the  North  had  suffered 
so  greatly  that  it  would  never  consent  to  a  revival  of  the 
legalized  bondage  of  the  black  man.  Providence  wove  its 
divine  decrees  through  all  the  intricate  and  crimson  network 
of  the  long-continued  strife. 


148       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  V.  S.  VOLS. 

If  General  Meade  did  not  strike  immediately  after  the  re 
pulse  of  the  final  charge  made  by  the  rebels  on  the  afternoon 
of  the  3d  day  of  July,  he  did  move  promptly  on  the  morn 
ing  of  the  5th.  Lee's  forces  were  withdrawn  from  the  left 
of  their  line  on  the  night  of  the  3d,  and  -our  skirmishers 
pressed  towards  the  enemy.  Some  of  our  troops  passed 
through  Gettysburg  on  the  4th.  The  division  skirmishers 
in  our  front  were  on  that  day  under  direction  of  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Crandell,  commanding  our  regiment. 

On  the  night  of  the  4th,  Lee's  retreat  was  fairly  under 
way.  Our  regiment  with  the  Corps  started  in  pursuit  on  the 
night  of  the  5th,  moving  to  Two  Taverns,  here  remaining 
the  6th.  Taneytown  was  reached  on  the  7th ;  Frederick 
City,  on  the  8th ;  Rohrersville,  on  the  Qth ;  Tighlmanton, 
on  the  loth  ;  and  bythei2th  of  the  month  Lee  was  con 
fronted  by  our  army  near  Williamsport,  north  of  the  Poto 
mac.  He  fortified  his  position  strongly.  It  is  now  known 
that  his  ammunition  was  almost  exhausted,  which  was  also 
true  on  the  evening  of  July  3d.  This  fact  was  not  known 
by  General  Meade  at  the  time.  The  Union  troops  were 
eager  for  the  anticipated  assault.  For  two  hours  did  they 
stand  in  line  under  a  pelting  rain,  fervently  desiring  to  be  led 
forward  in  a  charge  upon  the  rebels.  They  were  full  of  con 
fidence  and  were  nerved  by  the  highest  hopes  of  crushing 
Lee  and  ending  the  war.  It  was  not  deemed  best  to  charge 
immediately  upon  coming  up  to  the  enemy.  A  council  of 
war  was  not  unanimous  in  favoring  it.  When  the  advance 
was  made  early  on  the  morning  of  the  I4th.  it  was  General 
Meade's  judgment  that  was  carried  out.  But  then  the  op 
portunity  to  overwhelm  Lee  had  passed.  He  had  crossed 
the  river  and  was  on  his  way  in  retreat  southward.  In  the 
pursuit,  now  continued,  the  Second  Corps,  temporarily  under 
command  of  Brigadier  General  Wm.  Hays,  crossed  the  river 
at  Harper's  Ferry.  But  it  was  not,  as  after  Antietam,  to  sit 
down  on  Maryland  and  Bolivar  Heights  to  rest  and  await 
the  offices  of  the  quartermaster.  The  halt  was  brief ;  contin 
uing  through  only  the  i6th  and  I7th.  The  effort  on  Gen- 


MANASSAS  GAP.  149 

eral  Meade's  part  was  determined.  He  sought  to  strike  the 
enemy  in  flank,  and  for  this  purpose  pushed  for  Manassas 
Gap.  That  was  a  rapid,  rough  march — through  brooks  and 
over  stones — that  brought  us  near  the  firing  intended  to  be 
the  prelude  of  a  battle.  It  was  so  rough  that  at  one  point 
the  writer  heard  a  comrade  exclaim  :  "  I  wish  I  was  Henry 
Ward  Beecher."  "Why,  pray  tell?"  "  Because,"  said  the  sol 
dier,  "  I  want  to  swear,  and  I  am  not  eloquent  enough  for 
the  occasion."  We  were  turned  back  from  this  movement, 
and  east  of  the  mountains  still  pressed  southward,  following 
the  direction  of  Lee's  retreat.  The  river  had  been  crossed 
at  Harper's  Ferry  on  the  1 8th,  the  Corps  moving  to  Hills- 
bo  ro ;  on  the  i  Qth,  to  Woodgrove;  on  the  2Oth,  to  Bloom- 
field.  Here  the  troops  remained  until  the  22d.  On  that 
day  the  Corps  marched  to  Paris:  on  the  23d,  to  Linden;  on 
the  24th,  to  Markham  Station  ;  on  the  25th,  to  White  Plains  ; 
on  the  26th,  to  Germantown,  where  the  Corps  rested  three 
days.  On  the  3Oth,  the  Corps  moved  to  Elk  Run,  and  the 
next  day  to  Morrisville,  where  it  went  into  camp. 

Atfer  crossing  the  Potomac  at  Harper's  Ferry,  and  in  the 
southward  move,  we  passed  through  Loudon  Valley.  It  was 
the  season  of  blackberries.  The  bushes  hung  heavy  with  the 
ripe  fruit,  and  the  ground  was  black  with  the  low  growth  of 
the  same  berry.  The  whole  army  had  an  improvised  picnic. 
There  were  more  than  enough  berries  to  feed  an  entire  army ; 
and  the  soldiers,  full  well  needing  just  then  such  a  treat, 
made  the  most  of  a  luxury  which  served  as  well  as  a  medi 
cine.  On  that  march  we  came  also,  of  a  Sunday,  to  a  large 
farm  owned  by  a  pronounced  rebel.  His  larder  was  full,  his 
granary  was  overflowing,  his  fields  were  rich  with  flocks. 
The  innocent  sheep  were  enjoying  the  beautiful  summer 
day ;  and  the  men  were  hungry — were  hungry  for  fresh  meat. 
The  barnyard  was  musical  with  fowl,  and  the  men  were  fond 
of  that  sort  of  music.  Some  of  the  enlisted  men  went  to  the 
door  of  the  Southern  mansion  and  offered  to  buy  food ;  for 
in  the  heat  of  the  pursuit,  rations  were  not  fully  received. 
The  Southern  gentleman  would  not  sell,  and  despised  the  ac- 


150       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

cursed  "greenback."  The  facts  of  the  case  became  known. 
Then  followed  what  was  rarely  permitted.  No  orders  were 
given,  but  the  commanding  officers  at  our  point  of  the 
ground  must  have  been  abstracted  in  thought,  or  were  look 
ing  in  an  unfavorable  direction ;  for  the  men  marched  into 
the  rebel's  house  and  emptied  his  larder.  Wagons  backed 
to  the  granary  and  were  filled  with  corn.  The  writer,  coming 
out  from  a  quiet  retreat  by  a  brook  flowing  among  a  growth 
of  trees,  saw  the  men — some  still  at  work  hunting  sheep,  and 
others  broiling  mutton.  As  he  passed  along,  he  was  saluted 
with  the  words,  "  Have  some  mutton,  Chaplain?"  It  was 
good.  He  saw  also  braces  of  fowl  across  the  saddles  of  gen 
erals'  orderlies ;  but  the  generals  looked  innocent.  "  Mutton- 
Camp  "  has  still  a  pleasing,  odorous  place  in  the  minds  of  the 
survivors  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth. 

Our  encampment  at  Morrisville,  near  Elk  Run,  continued 
through  August  and  a  part  of  September.  It  was  broken  in 
upon,  August  3 1st,  by  a  two  days'  expedition  to  Hartwood 
Church  in  support  of  a  cavalry  reconnoissance.  On  the 
2/th  of  July,  Captain  S.  C.  Armstrong,  Lieutenants  John 
Quay  and  L.  H.  Crandell,  with  four  non-commissioned  offi 
cers  and  two  privates,  started  from  camp  for  New  York  on 
recruiting  service.  Much  sickness  prevailed  among  the  men 
in  their  long  encampment.  The  weather  was  very  oppres 
sive.  On  the  8th  of  August,  Brigadier-General  Joshua  T. 
Owen  assumed  command  of  our  brigade.  This  officer  became 
quite  popular  with  our  men,  for  he  was  a  man  of  pleasing 
address  and  an  eloquent  speaker — who  took  occasion  several 
times,  during  his  continuance  with  the  'brigade,  to  deliver 
spirited  addresses.  On  the  I2th  of  August,  General  G.  K. 
Warren  was  placed  in  command  of  our  corps,  General  Han 
cock  being  absent  and  still  suffering  from  his  Gettysburg 
wound.  General  Warren  made  a  most  happy  impression  on 
our  men,  and  was  doubtless  a  careful  soldier,  and  in  some 
respects  an  able  general.  His  great  service  at  Little  Round 
Top  had  favored  his  advance  to  a  major-generalship ;  and 
while  not  prepared  to  condemn  the  action  which  late  in  the 


ELK  RUN.  151 

war  sent  him,  deprived  of  command,  to  the  rear,  the  writer 
can  but  deplore  that  misfortune  which  darkened  the  last 
years  of  General  Warren's  life. 

The  Army  of  the  Potomac  lost  soon  after  Gettysburg  two 
of  its  corps — the  Eleventh  and  Twelfth,  both  of  which  had 
wrought  well  at  Gettysburg.  The  break  of  the  former  corps 
on  the  2d  of  July,  '63,  was  far  different  from  its  panic-stricken 
rout  at  Chancellorsville ;  while  the  Twelfth  Corps  occupied 
with  great  valor  the  important  point  of  Gulp's  Hill  at  Get- 


CAPTAIN  VV.  K.   NEWCOMB. 


tysburg.     Both  of  these  bodies  of  men  were  henceforth  to 
be  a  part  of  the  forces  operating  at  the  West. 

On  the  Qth  of  August  the  regiment  lost  one  of  its  choicest 
officers — the  brave  and  gifted  Newcomb.  Lieutenant  L.  H. 
Stevens,  who  had  been  intimately  associated  with  Captain 
W.  K.  Newcomb  in  college  life  and  in  army  service,  writes 
of  him :  "  He  was  a  noble  fellow.  There  is  nothing  you 
can  say  that  will  exaggerate  his  noble  character.  I  have 
been  thrown  in  contact  with  many  good  fellows  and  many 
celebrated  men  in  my  later  life  ;  but  Newcomb  stands  as  my 
beau  ideal  of  a  pure,  unselfish,  Christian  character.  He  was 


152       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.   V.  S.  VOLS. 

generous  to  a  fault,  broad  and  charitable  in  his  views  of  all 
matters,  and  withal  a  graceful  and  eloquent  speaker,  and 
endowed  with  talents  that  would  have  made  their  mark  had 
his  life  been  spared."  Captain  Newcomb  fell,  not  under 
stroke  of  bullet  or  sword  or  shell,  but  through  the  subtle, 
hot  shafts  of  a  fatal  fever.  But,  like  many  another,  he  as 
truly  gave  his  life  a  heroic  sacrifice  for  his  country  as  if  the 
hoarse  enginery  of  battle  had  piped  the  honors  of  his  death. 

On  the  1 2th  of  September  the  regiment  broke  camp  and 
marched  to  Rappahannock  Station.  On  the  I3th,  the  river 
was  crossed,  the  infantry  supporting  the  cavalry,  who  encoun 
tered  the  enemy  at  Brandy  Station,  our  forces  driving  the 
rebels  to  Cedar  Mountain.  From  the  I3th  to  the  i6th,  the 
men  were  encamped  at  Culpepper  Court  House.  We  moved 
next,  to  Cedar  Mountain,  where  a  year  before  a  part  of 
General  Pope's  army  was  stationed.  Here  General  Banks 
made  a  determined  fight  and  lost  heavily.  We  were  near 
the  Rapidan  and  the  rebel  pickets  were  in  plain  view.  Our 
picket-line  was  equally  exposed,  but,  by  a  tacit  understand 
ing,  there  was  to  be  no  firing  unless  a  forwardy  move  should 
be  attempted  by  one  side  or  the  other. 

Changes  were  at  this  time  made  in  the  regiment.  Lieuten 
ant-Colonel  L.  Crandell  received  his  commission  as  Colonel, 
with  rank  from  July  2d.  Major  A.  B.  Myer  was  made  Lieu 
tenant-Colonel  ;  Captain  S.  C.  Armstrong,  Major  ;  First 
Lieutenants  W.  H.  Hakes,  John  Quay  and  Joseph  Hyde  were 
made  Captains  ;  Second  Lieutenants  L.  H.  Crandell  and 
Merritt  Miller  became  First  Lieutenants  ;  Sergeant-Major 
F.  A.  Morey  was  commissioned  as  Second  Lieutenant,  as 
were  also  Sergeant  I.  DeWitt  Coleman  and  Corporal  E.  L.  P. 
Clapp. 

We  witnessed  here  for  the  first  time  a  scene  subsequently 
more  than  once  repeated.  It  was  a  military  execution.  Stern 
measures  had  been  adopted  to  prevent  desertion.  The  men 
were  marched  to  the  place  where  the  deserters  were  to  be 
shot.  They  were  made  to  form  three  sides  of  a  square,  and 
when  in  position,  the  deserters  were  escorted  by  the  detail 


ROBERTSON  RIVER.  153 

appointed  to  do  the  shooting,  to  the  fatal  ground,  the  band 
playing  the  u  dead  march."  The  coffins  and  graves  were  in 
readiness  at  the  open  space  of  the  square.  The  deserters 
were  seated  on  their  coffins,  their  eyes  were  bandaged,  and  at 
the  appointed  signal  the  detail  fired.  At  these  military 
executions  the  bullet  sometimes  did  its  work  quickly,  and 
men  were  hurled  by  the  force  of  the  fire  completely  over 
their  coffins.  At  other  times  there  was  failure  somewhere, 
and — as  at  Cedar  Mountain — repeated  volleys  were  fired, 
officers  with  their  revolvers  aiding  in  the  ghastly  work.  Oc 
casionally  men  were  hung.  This  was  done  when  a  deserter 
had  not  only  gone  into  the  rebel  lines  but  had  joined  the 
rebel  ranks.  The  writer  saw  one  man  hung  for  "  rape." 
What  of  the  men  executed  ?  Some  of  them  appeared  to 
realize  the  dread  reality  of  death.  One  man  seemed  disposed 
to  brave  it  out.  He  had  prepared  himsfjf  for  a  "  scene." 
Approaching  jauntily  his  coffin,  he  deliberately  took  off  his 
coat,  folded  it  into  a  cushion,  seated  himself  upon  it,  folded 
his  arms,  submitted  to  the  bandaging  of  his  eyes,  and  then, 
in  a  few  seconds  was  shot  dead.  What  of  the  men  who  wit 
nessed  such  scenes  ?  Many  of  them  were  impressed  by  the 
solemnity  of  the  occasion  ;  others  marched  laughing,  joking 
and  swearing  to  the  field  of  death.  What  of  the  general 
effects?  So  far  as -the  writer  could  judge,  desertions  de 
creased. 

Our  picket-line  extended  to  Robertson  River.  On  the 
southern  bank  of  the  river  was  the  rebel  line,  the  men  on 
either  side  being  within  speaking  distance  of  one  another. 
At  one  point,  the  bank  on  the  farther  side  was  steep  and 
high,  and  at  a  house  on  the  high  ground  was  the  reserve 
rebel  post.  The  rebel  pickets  nearest  our  position  were 
missed  from  their  post  in  the  early  days  of  October.  Our 
regiment  was  called  out  in  the  night  to  the  picket  line.  An 
effort  was  to  be  made  to  determine  whether  the  rebels  had 
really  withdrawn  from  our  entire  front.  An  incident  now 
occurred  worthy  of  mention,  not  from  its  magnitude  but  as 
serving  at  once  the  purposes  of  information,  and  as  display- 


154       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

ing  the  metal  and  spirit  of  the  men  of  our  regiment.  When 
this  came  to  the  appointed  place,  General  Alexander  Hays 
called  for  thirty  volunteers  to  cross  the  river  and  to  recon 
noitre.  Between  one  and  two  hundred  men  and  a  number 
of  officers  stepped  at  once  to  the  front.  The  whole  regiment 
was  in  readiness  to  go.  The  required  number  was  counted 
from  the  right.  There  was  a  clamor  among  the  officers  as 
to  who  should  be  permitted  to  lead  the  party.  Captain 
George  E.  Lemon,  with  much  decisiveness  said  :  "  General, 
I  claim,  as  senior  line  officer,  the  right  to  lead  these  men." 
His  claim  was  conceded.  He  was  accompanied  by  Lieu 
tenant  E.  S.  P.  Clapp  of  our  regiment,  and  Captain  R.  S. 
Seabury  of  General  Hays'  staff.  Captain  Seabury  was 
afterwards  killed  in  the  Wilderness,  and  his  body  was  taken 
for  burial  to  Bloomfield,  New  Jersey.  The  party  forded  the 
stream,  made  their  way  to  the  headquarter  house  of  the 
rebel  pickets,  and  found  this  vacant.  After  doing  all  the 
duty  assigned,  they  returned  to  the  regiment,  and  report 
was  made  to  the  commanding  general.  The  writer  can  tes 
tify  as  an  eye  witness  of  the  fidelity  of  the  officers  and 
enlisted  men.  The  expedition  aided  in  disclosing  a  fact 
soon  fully  apparent,  that  General  Lee  had  inaugurated 
another  forward  movement — now  on  the  flank  of  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac. 

The  Second  Corps  was  relieved  from  duty  on  the  advance 
on  Monday,  October  5th,  and  the  next  day  marched  back  to 
Culpepper  Court  House.  From  here  the  steps  were  still 
backward  ;  for  we  soon  learned  of  the  rebel  movement.  On 
Saturday,  October  loth,  we  were  placed  in  line  of  battle  west 
of  Culpepper,  facing  the  Blue  Ridge.  The  next  day  we 
marched  to  Bealton  via  Rappahannock  Station.  On  the  I2th, 
the  entire  brigade  was  on  picket  duty.  The  day  following 
we  marched  to  Auburn  Ford  via  Warrenton  Junction.  On 
the  night  of  the  I3th  of  October  we  bivouacked  in  the  woods. 
The  word  passed  among  the  men  that  we  were  surrounded 
by  the  rebels.  There  was  a  show  of  reason  for  this ;  for 
some  rebel  cavalry,  not  wholly  with  design  on  their  part, 


AUBURN. 


155 


were  in  a  position  that  placed  us  between  two  parts  of  the 
rebel  lines.  But  it  was  gratifying  to  hear  the  expressions 
of  confidence  in  General  Meade  ;  and  the  basis  of  confidence 
given  was,  that  he  was  a  Christian  man.  The  men  always 
made  a  distinction  in  the  ability  of  an  officer  to  "  lead  them 
into  battle"  and  to  "  lead  them  out."  Some  officers,  they 
believed,  were  good  to  lead  them  into  battle,  but  there  their 
ability  ended.  General  Meade  was  accounted  good  for  both 
purposes. 


ENGAGEMENT    OF    THE    125th     N.    Y.    VOLS.    AT     AUBURN. 

Oct.  14th,  1863. 
CoL  Kuffain  of  N.  C.  mortally  wounded. 

Early  in  the  morning  of  October  I4th  we  filed  out  of  the 
woods,  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  being  on  the  lead. 
As  we  moved  out  we  saw  to  our  left  and  in  near  proximity  a 
flying  battery  hurrying  along  at  the  top  of  the  horses'  speed. 
We  judged  it  to  belong  to  our  forces,  but  the  mistake  was 
soon  manifest.  It  was  planted  in  our  front,  and  with  it  hur 
ried  into  position  a  regiment  of  rebel  cavalry.  Fire  was 
opened  upon  us  quick  and  sharp.  The  regiment  was  de- 


156      ONE  HUNDRED  AND   TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  V.  S.  VOLS. 

ployed  to  left  of  the  road.  The  skirmishers  fell  back,  but 
the  line  advanced.  Martin  Lawler  of  F  Company  was  killed  ; 
Private  H.  L.  Green  of  B  Company,  and  James  L.  Smith  of 
H  Company  were  wounded ;  and  Corporal  Francis  Wilson 
of  H  Company  was  mortally  wounded.  As  he  came  in  from 
the  skirmish  line,  with  one  hand  pressed  upon  the  wound 
and  the  other  waving  in  triumph,  he  cried  out:  "Colonel, 
don't  let  that  regiment  get  whipped.  See  what  the  rebels 
have  done  for  me.  Tell  my  wife,  if  I  don't  recover,  that  I 
am  not  a  coward."  He  was  a  brave  man  and  a  good  soldier. 
He  soon  died  from  his  wounds.  Captain  William  D.  Taylor 
barely  escaped  a  stroke  from  the  sword  of  the  rebel  colonel, 
Thomas  Ruffin,  First  North  Carolina  Cavalry,  who  was  shot 
down  by  a  member  of  D  Company,  his  sword  falling  into  the 
hands  of  Captain  Taylor,  who  still  retains  its  possession.  Dr. 
Washington  Akin  dressed  the  wounded  officer's  head.  The 
regiment,  with  the  brigad'e,  pressed  forward  scattering  the 
rebel  cavalry  and  capturing  a  number  of  prisoners. 

Our  line  of  march  was  now  towards  Catlett's  Station. 
Our  Corps  formed  the  rear  of  our  army.  We  were  at  this 
time  moving  on  the  two  lines  of  a  triangle.  The  rebels 
were  moving  on  the  base  line,  with  the  danger  to  us  of  strik- 
us  in  the  flank.  Would  they  attempt  this?  The  question 
was  answered  that  afternoon.  About  noon  we  halted  at 
Catlett's  Station,  General  Meade  and  his  staff  being  at  this 
time  with  us.  He  will  be  remembered  as,  mounted,  he  was 
looking  through  field-glass  in  the  direction  of  the  enemy. 
In  the  afternoon  our  pace  was  quickened  by  the  sound  of 
firing  ahead  of  us.  The  enemy  nearing  Bristoe  Station  saw 
beyond  this  the  rear  of  the  Fifth  Corps;  and,  judging  that 
this  was  the  very  rear  of  our  army,  opened  fire  and  prepared 
to  press  forward.  But  in  reality  they  struck  our  flank,  and 
threatened  to  come  between  the  Second  Corps  and  the  rest 
of  the  army.  It  was  the  sound  of  the  artillery  assailing  the 
Fifth  Corps  that  we  had  heard.  At  the  place  where  the 
rebel  guns  opened,  the  Second  New  York  Volunteers,  more 
than  a  year  before,  in  the  Pope  Campaign,  had  fought  the 


BRISTOE. 


157 


rebels.  Now  another  Troy  regiment  was  hurried  forward  on 
the  double  quick  for  several  hours.  It  was  about  four  o'clock 
in  the  afternoon  when  we  came  upon  some  high  ground, 
where  was  General  Warren  and  his  staff.  He  gave  the  hasty 
command:  "Get  down  to  that  railroad  embankment  as 
quickly  as  you  can."  The  men  .were  brought  by  the  left 
flank  into  line  of  battle  and  were  ordered  to  charge.  They 
started  on  a  run,  but  in  good  line.  Beyond  a  railroad  em- 


^vw    '     *4\  .M^*&**mE£-  -    &v,^£ 


BATTLE     OF    BRISTOE.     OCT.    14th,    1863. 

TIIIED  BEIGADE,  3D   DIV.,  2D  COUPS. 

Seizing  the  Railroad  Cut. 

bankment  in  sight,  several  hundred  yards  away,  the  ground 
arose  and  passed  to  some  woods.  On  the  open  ground  was 
a  dwelling  house.  The  men  had  scarcely  started,  when  forth 
from  the  woods  beyond  the  embankment  issued  the  rebel 
line  of  battle.  They  moved  part  way  down  the  field,  and, 
halting,  opened  fire.  The  bullets  flew  about  our  heads  like 
hail.  The  men  paused  not  to  reply,  but  hurried  on ;  paused 
not,  save  those  who  fell,  unable  farther  to  move.  The  wri- 


158      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  V.  S.  VOLS. 

ter  stopped  at  one  after  another  of  the  wounded,  to  render 
momentary  aid,  and  by  the  time  the  regiment  was  at  the 
embankment,  and  the  battle  of  JBristoe  was  fully  joined,  he 
was  part  way  down  the  open  field.  He  dropped  at  the  side 
of  a  wounded  man,  and  though  fully  exposed,  was  in  the 
best  position  to  see  the  fight.  The  man  at  his  side  received 
another  wound.  The  writer  saw  rebel  bullets  explode 
during  the  battle,  and  knows  positively,  therefore,  that  this 
barbarous  means  was  employed  in  rebel  guns  as  the  battle 
progressed.  The  rebels  were  falling  fast.  They  had  come 
this  side  of  the  house  in  the  field.  They  sought  to  press 
forward  on  their  left,  and  there  was  a  momentary  confusion 
in  our  line  (not  our  regimental  line)  at  this  point.  The  writer 
saw  a  Union  officer  ride  along,  and  with  drawn  sword  drive 
the  demoralized  ones  back  to  their  place.  Now,  some  Union 
guns  to  our  right  are  in  good  position.  Shells  are  hurled  at 
short  range  into  the  rebel  line.  The  execution  was  fearful. 
The  line  was  cut  down  in  great  gaps.  They  could,  not 
endure  it.  They  turned,  and  essayed  to  move  off  in  good 
order,  but,  in  a  minute  they  scattered  and  fled  like  affrighted 
sheep.  A  skirmish  line  was  thrown  out  from  our  front. 
Up  in  the  edge  of  the  woods  is  a  rebel  battery.  Our  skir 
mishers  speed  forward.  The  gunners  flee.  Lieutenant 
Harry  L.  Haskell  with  others  are  hurrying  the  pieces  to  our 
lines.  Lieutenant  Lee  Churchill,  who,  when  the  infantry 
firing  ceased  had  sought  a  man  whom  he  had  heard  called 
Churchill,  noticing  the  skirmishers  moving,  hastened  to  join 
them  and  seized  hold  of  on^  of  the  guns  and  \\4as  drag 
ging  it  to  our  lines,  when  a  Union  officer  called  to  him  to 
hurry,  as  the  rebel  skirmishers  were  now  coming  from  the 
Avoods.  He  made  his  way  with  the  cannon  under  protection 
of  the  house  repeatedly  referred  to,  and,  calling  to  his  aid 
some  men,  brought  the  piece — making  four  in  all  of  the  cap 
tured  cannon — within  our  lines.  Brave  act !  Brave  service 
the  entire  battle  !  True  the  victory,  and  larger  this  than 
we  then  knew,  for  a  large  part  of  the  rebel  army  was  there, 
and  might  have  used  to  great  advantage  the  hours  yet 


HRISTOE.  159 

remaining  until  dark;  for,  by  misunderstanding,  our  Corps 
was  separated  from  the  army  by  a  wide  and  unfortunate  gap 
between  our  Corps  and  the  Fifth  Corps.  The  captain  com 
manding  that  rebel  battery  was  cashiered  ;  and  a  Richmond 
paper  expressed  considerable  mystification  at  the  fact  that 
the  rear  of  a  retreating  army  (as  it  was  pleased  to  speak  of 
our  army)  should  defeat  a  pursuing  force  and  capture  a  part 
of  its  guns.  Yet  the  deed  was  done,  and  the  men  of  the 


CAPTAIN  WILLIAM  H.   PLUMB. 


One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  retain  a  commendable  pride 
in  having  part  in  doing  it.  But,  brave  men  of  our  regiment 
have  fallen — wounded  and  dead.  Of  the  killed  were  Benja 
min  Yandau  of  A  Company,  and  James  M.  Cole  of  B 
Company.  Of  the  officers  wounded  was  Captain  George  E. 
Lemon,  who  received  a  bullet  in  his  leg  that  could  not  be 
extracted,  and  that  he  carries  bedded  in  his  flesh  to  the  day 
of  this  writing.  One  of  the  men  of  his  company,  writing 
home,  said :  "  Captain  Lemon  is  a  hero ;  after  he  was 
wounded  he  staid  and  fought  until  the  enemy  were  re 
pulsed."  And  Captain  William  H.  Plumb  was  prostrated 
with  a  mortal  wound.  At  Auburn  a  bullet  cut  loose 


l6o       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTV-EIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  YOLS. 

the  visor  of  his  cap.  Passing  along  the  road  soon  after,  he 
gleefully  waved  his  hat  and  exclaimed  :  "  Close  call,  Chap 
lain  !"  Close  call,  indeed,  and  the  last  call.  That  shot  was 
the  trumpet  blast  that  presaged  the  grim  messenger.  Cap 
tain  Plumb  was  universally  respected  in  the  regiment.  His 
death,  following  speedily  the  wound  received  in  the  charge 
at  Bristoe,  caused  unfeigned  sorrow  among  his  comrades. 
Before  the  war,  he  was  employed  in  the  National  Express 


CAPTAIN  WILLIAM  HALON. 


Office,  Troy,  New  York,  and  was  regarded  with  great  favor 
by  his  business  associates.  When  his  body  was  brought 
home,  they  followed  this,  with  coffin  enwrapped  with  Amer 
ican  flag,  to  Mount  Ida  Cemetery,  where  the  young  hero 
was  laid  away  to  rest. 

Another  man  was  severely  wounded,  who  at  the  time  was 
orderly  sergeant  of  B  Company,  and  who  afterward  was 
commissioned  as  lieutenant,  and  who  had  the  proud  satisfac 
tion  of  leading  home,  as  captain,  F  Company.  William 


1JK1STOK. 


161 


Halon — the  sergeant's  name — was  shot  through  the  hand  at 
Auburn  in  the  morning,  and  at  Bristoe  a  bullet  pierced  his 
right  thigh,  disabling  him  for  many  months.  But,  as  soon  as 
he  was  able  to  perform  duty,  he  was  assigned  to  important 
service,  under  his  commission  as  lieutenant.  He  was  born 
in  West  Troy,  Albany  County,  New  York,  August  I2th,  1838. 
From  the  age  of  four  he  resided  in  Troy,  and  as  he  advanced 
towards  manhood  he  learned  the  moulder's  trade.  He 


LIEUTENANT  WILLIAM  P.   HAGADORN. 

became  interested  in  serving  as  a  fireman,  and  was  elevated 
to  the  position  of  foreman  of  the  locally  famous  Cataract  En 
gine  No.  8  of  Troy,  New  York.  The  war  found  him  eager 
to  serve  his  country,  and  he  proved  a  brave  and  faithful 
soldier,  well  meriting  the  honors  which  came  to  him.  He 
was  one  of  the  men  who  arose  by  merit  from  the  ranks  to  a 
commissioned  officer's  position. 

The   man  at  whose  side  the   writer  reclined  on  the  field 
of  battle,  was  Wm.  P.  Hagadorn  of  K  Company,  who  after- 


1 62      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  X.   V.  S.  VOLS. 

wards  was  made  a  lieutenant.  He  was  born  at  Staten  Is 
land,  N.  Y.,  April  6th,  1843.  At  tne  age  of  tcn  nc  published 
a  boy's  paper  called  "The  Little  Corporal."  In  1861  he  had 
charge  of  the  printing  office  of  the  Troy  Budget,  at  that  time 
owned  by  his  father.  He  enlisted  as  a  private  in  the  One 
Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment,  August  I3th,  1862. 
At  Centreville,  when  on  picket  duty,  he  aided  in  capturing 
four  of  Mosby's  men.  At  Gettysburg,  July  3d,  he  with  a 
mejnber  of  the  Second  Delaware  regiment,  brought  a  rebel 
officer  and  a  battle  flag  into  our  lines.  His  wound  received 
at  Bristoe  threatened  to  be  mortal.  Taken  to  a  house  con 
verted  into  a  hospital,  he  was  there  captured  by  the  enemy 
and  was  taken  to  Richmond,  where  he  was  placed  in  a  hos 
pital.  He  was  exchanged  at  City  Point  October  26th,  and 
soon  after  received  his  commission  and  was  assigned  to  hos 
pital  duty.  He  subsequently  served  in  various  responsible 
positions,  and  sought  to  combine  temperance  and  Christian 
work  with  his  duties  as  a  soldier. 

When  night  closed  in  we  took  up  the  line  of  march,  not 
halting  until  we  had  crossed  the  Bull  Run  at  Blackburn's 
Ford.  The  regiment,  with  the  Corps,  had  marched  seventy- 
six  miles  in  fifty-six  hours;  had  fought  at  Auburn  and  at 
Bristoe,  had  crossed  two  rivers,  and  had  successfully  guarded 
the  baggage  of  the  entire  army.  Such  marching  and  ser 
vice  were  exceptional,  and  rank  with  great  historic  forced 
marches.  On  the  north  bank  of  Bull  Run,  the  regiment  was 
at  the  front  between  the  two  lines  of  artillery,  our  guns  and 
the  rebel  cannon  playing  over  our  heads.  We  served  as  skir 
mishers.  General  Hayes  fretted  to  lead  us  across  the  stream 
and  to  assault  the  rebels,  but  absence  of  general  orders  pre 
vented.  The  Union  line  extended  from  Wolf  Run  Shoals 
on  our  left  to  Chantilly  on  our  right.  The  rebels  "felt"  our 
position  with  artillery,  and  then  concluded  to  retire,  not  offer 
ing  general  battle.  It  appears  now  that  Lee  purposed  to 
engage  our  forces  on  the  Bristoe  line ;  but  General  Meade 
preferred  to  fight  this  side  of  Bull  Run  on  the  Centreville 
line.  But  neither  was  battle  here  joined.  And  with  our  old 


BRISTOE. 


163 


camp  ground  at  the  last  named  place  a  few  miles  in  rear  of 
us,  we  took  a  soldier's  evening  meal  and  laid  us  down  in 
the  rain  to  rest. 


BETWEEN  THE  LINES. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

FORWARD  AGAIN. 

r"T*HE  falling  back  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  was  only 
-*-  temporary.  General  Lee,  failing  to  secure  his  own  choice 
of  battlefield,  again  turned  his  face  southward,  the  Union 
forces  pressing  in  hot  pursuit  after  the  retreating  foe.  Was 
the  movement  of  the  rebel  army  designed  to  increase  any 
discontent  at  the  North  because  of  the  prolongation  of  the 
war  ?  The  election  was  near ;  and  any  general  movement 
of  the  Union  Army  in  Virginia  without  culminating  in  a  de 
cisive  battle  would  tend  to  foment  a  dissatisfaction  which 
had  already  shaped  itself  in  form  of  a  riot.  If  that  result 
was  aimed  at,  the  outcome  of  the  election  shamed  the  expec 
tation,  for  the  reserve  line,  formed  of  loyal  hearts  at  the 
North,  held  firm.  The  military  situation  at  the  West  de 
manded  activity  on  the  one  side  or  the  other  at  the  East. 
Chickamauga  had  been  fought  on  the  iQth  and  2Oth  of  Sep 
tember.  Longstreet  had  arrived  on  that  battleground  on 
the  night  of  the  iQth.  His  division  rendered  important  ser 
vice  in  that  bloody  engagement.  This  resulted  in  a  Federal 
defeat,  save  that  General  George  H.  Thomas  had  fought 
with  a  tenacity  which  gained  for  him  the  title  of  "the  rock 
of  Chickamauga,"  and  which  prevented  a  disastrous  rout,  the 
Union  army  falling  back  to  Chattanooga.  The  firmness  of 
General  Thomas,  one  of  the  foremost  of  the  Union  Generals, 
the  valor  of  General  Steedman,  the  courage  and  forethought 
of  General  James  A.  Garfield,  then  chief  of  General  Rose- 
crans'  staff,  and  the  endurance  of  the  Union  troops,  made  of 


CH1CKAMAUGA.  l6$ 

Chickamauga  a  "  barren  victory  "  for  the  Confederates.  The 
forces  engaged  and  the  losses  sustained  were  about  equal. 
The  number  engaged  was  about  55,000  on  either  side.  The 
Confederates  lost,  all  told,  17,804;  the  Union  forces,  16,179. 

Lee's  forward  movement  on  the  flank  of  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac  was  at  the  time  of  the  investment  of  the  Union 
army  at  Chattanooga  by  the  forces  of  General  Bragg.  The 
ardent  hope  was  cherished  by  the  rebels  of  starving  out  the 
Union  troops.  General  Rosecrans  meditated  a  retreat  which 
would  have  been  most  disastrous.  The  hero  of  Donelson 
and  of  Vicksburg  was  sent  to  the  rescue.  On  the  morning 
of  October  2oth  General  Grant  started  for  Chattanooga. 
That  day  found  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regi 
ment  again  near  Auburn  ;  this  time  following  a  retreating  foe, 
who  burned  bridges  and  effectually  destroyed  the  railroad. 

We  took  up  the  line  of  march  Monday  morning,  October 
iQth,  crossing  the  Bull  Run  battlefields  and  reaching  the 
scene  of  the  recent  battle  of  Bristoe.  Our  march  on  the 
2Oth  was  very  rapid.  On  the  2 1st,  Captain  S.  C.  Armstrong 
returned  from  recruiting  service  to  the  regiment.  On  the 
24th,  we  were  again  on  the  march,  and  made  our  camp  at 
night  near  Warrenton,  Virginia. 

In  memoranda  which  the  writer  has  retained  since  the 
war,  he  finds  the  following  recorded,  under  date  of  Tuesday, 
October  27th:  "  Jacob  Houck  returned  this  night  to  his 
Father's  house.  He  spoke  sincerely,  earnestly,  penitently." 
This  occurred  at  a  prayer  meeting  held  around  a  campfire. 
It  was  our  wont  to  hold  such  meetings  night  by  night,  when 
on  the  march  and  when  in  camp.  They  were  held  before 
battle  and  after  battle,  and  when  no  battle  was  anticipated. 
They  were  held,  anon,  behind  earth-works,  with  the  bullets 
of  the  enemy  whizzing  about  us — a  strange  accompaniment 
to  the  music  of  sacred  song  and  the  voice  of  prayer.  Record 
has  been  preserved  of  regular  preaching  services  in  front  of 
the  Colonel's  tent.  But  such  service  could  not  be  held  as 
regularly  as  were  the  prayer  meetings.  In  recent  times,  arti 
cles  have  appeared  from  the  pen  of  a  Southern  writer,  enti- 


l66     ONE  HUNDRED  AND   TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

tied  "  Christ  in  the  Camp."  Christ  was  certainly  in  the  camp 
of  the  Union  soldier,  working  here,  as  amid  the  Southern 
camp,  his  merciful  work  of  salvation.  Not  a  few  of  the  men 
of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  gave  evidence  of  his 
saving  grace. 

Survivors  of  this  regiment  will  remember  Jacob  Houck  as 
a  large,  strong  man  physically;  as  quite  profane;  as  a  drink 
ing  man,  who,  when  under  the  influence  of  liquor,  was  given 
to  fighting.  He  was  connected  with  H  Company.  At  Cen- 
treville,  the  writer  had  several  conversations  with  him  on  the 
subject  of  religion.  As  we  kneeled  together,  one  on  either 
side  of  his  dying  captain,  Ephraim  Wood,  Comrade  Houck 
volunteered  the  statement,  that  out  on  the  battlefield  of  Get 
tysburg  he  had  promised  his  God  that  if  spared  he  would 
lead  a  Christian  life.  But  later,  on  the  march  southwards 
and  just  after  rations  of  whiskey  had  been  served  to  the 
troops,  the  writer  heard  him,  under  the  influence  of  liquor, 
again  guilty  of  profanity.  This  fact  dissipated  hope  of  his 
leading  a  true  life.  But  still  onward,  after  Bristoe,  he  came 
to  the  campfire  prayer-meetings  and  began  to  take  part,  in 
the  form  of  prayer.  After  one  of  the  meetings  he  told  this 
story.  He  said :  "  I  have  been  hoping  that  I  might  be  a 
Christian  and  once  in  a  while  drink  a  little  liquor.  But,  last 
night  after  prayer-meeting,  as  I  went  to  my  tent,  I  thought 
it  all  over,  and  made  up  my  mind  that  I  could  not  be  a 
Christian  without  giving  up  liquor  entirely,  and  I  resolved 
to  do  it.  Immediately  hope  and  peace  entered  my  heart  and 
I  have  been  very  happy  ever  since."  Comrade  Houck  there 
after  lived  a  faithful  Christian  life,  and  at  the  second  Spot- 
sylvania  battle  was  mortally  wounded.  As  he  was  lying  in 
an  ambulance  ready  to  be  driven  to  the  rear,  his  Bible  rest 
ing  near  his  head,  the  writer  kissed  his  brow  as  he  said  the 
good-bye.  Word  came  afterwards  of  his  death  in  hospital 
at  Washington.  He  passed  from  earth  with  the  joy  of  a 
Christian  victor. 

This  is  only  one  instance  of  many  that  might  be  related 
of  the  conversion  of  men  during  the  progress  of  the  war. 


RELIGIOUS  ACTIVITY.  l6/ 

Some  confessed  Christ  just  before  the  summons  came  for 
entrance  into  that  world  where  there  is  "  no  more  war." 
Officers  and  enlisted  men  alike  became  Christians.  Surgeon 
William  S.  Cooper  returned  to  the  regiment  October  3ist 
from  a  brief  "  leave  of  absence."  In  his  absence  he  had  pub 
licly  professed  faith  in  Christ.  On  Saturday,  November  i/j-th, 
four  of  our  men  were  baptized  by  the  Chaplain  in  a  Virginia 
creek,  and  others  became  ready  for  that  Christian  ordinance, 
as  religious  services  continued  to  be  held  during  "  winter 
quarters  "  in  a  rude  log  chapel  which  was  transfigured  as  into 
a  gateway  of  glory  by  the  presence  of  "  the  Holy  One  of 
Israel."  The  history  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth 
Regiment  would  not  be  faithfully  given  were  not  distinct 
record  made  of  the  religious  activity  which  prevailed  from 
the  beginning  to  the  close  of  its  service. 

On  the  8th  of  November  our  encampment  near  Warren- 
ton  ceased,  and  we  marched  across  the  Rappahannock  to 
Brandy  Station.  We  remained  here  during  the  Qth,  and 
the  next  day  marched  a  few  miles  to  the  Fitz  Hugh  House. 
We  remained  in  this  vicinity  until  the  latter  part  of  the 
month.  The  regiment  was  called  upon  to  part,  in  the 
autumn  of  1863,  with  some  of  its  best  officers  and  enlisted 
men,  who  left  us  to  serve  with  the  colored  troops  who  were 
to  bear  honorable  part  in  the  war  for  the  Union  and  for  lib 
erty.  The  calling  of  the  negro  into  the  United  States  ser 
vice  was  a  master-stroke  of  wisdom  ;  as  the  failure  on  the 
part  of  the  South  to  use  the  slave,  as  a  freedman,  on  the 
field  of  battle  was  one  of  its  fatal  errors.  How  he  might 
have  fought  with  the  chains  still  clanking  behind  him  on  the 
limbs  of  his  race  is  uncertain  ;  how  he  did  serve  with  a  free 
country  behind  him  is  a  fact  of  history.  If  not  so  valiant 
when  alone  on  picket,  he  was  undaunted  in  the  charge,  and 
merited  the  confidence  reposed  in  him.  The  Union  "blue" 
upon  him,  the  rifle  of  freeman  in  his  hand,  made  a  man  of 
him ;  and  his  attitude  all  through  the  war,  and  his  career  of 
progress  since  the  Rebellion  was  crushed,  demonstrate  his 
manhood  and  are  facts  hopeful  in  their  future  outlook. 


l68       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  YOLS. 

Other  regiments  gave  noble  men  to  lead  the  negro  at  the 
front,  but  none  sent  truer  hearts  or  abler  hands  for  the  work 
than  did  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth.  Those  who 
left  us  were  Sergeants  Alexander  Springsteen,  Jacob  F. 
Force,  Harry  F.  Thorburn,  Quartermaster-sergeant  Henry 
F.  Beebe,  First  Lieutenant  Benjamin  R.  Townsend,  and 
Major  Samuel  C.  Armstrong.  Sergeant  Springsteen  was 
made  captain  in  the  Second  United  States  colored  troops ; 
Sergeant  Force  went  as  first  lieutenant  to  the  Twenty- 
second  colored  regiment ;  Sergeant  Thorburn,  as  second- 
lieutenant  to  the  Ninth  ;  Sergeant  Beebe  became  quarter 
master  of  the  Second  ;  Lieutenant  Townsend  was  commis 
sioned  major  of  the  Second  ;  and  Major  Armstrong  was  ap 
pointed  lieutenant-colonel  of  the  Ninth  Colored  regiment. 
Afterwards,  Corporal  Henry  L.  Bliss,  another  of  our  most 
worthy  men,  became  first  lieutenant  of  the  Thirty-second 
colored  regiment. 

Men  going  from  us  on  such  service  cannot  be  passed  with 
only  a  word  of  mention.  They  were  all  men  of  marked 
force  and  of  exalted  character.  They  had  passed  a  rigid  ex 
amination,  for  only  men  of  special  fitness  were  deemed 
qualified  to  lead  in  a  service  demanding  not  only  intelligence 
and  skill  and  patience,  but  unusual  daring.  What  should 
be  their  treatment  if  they  fell  as  prisoners  into  the  hands  of 
the  enemy  was  then  problematical ;  that  they  would  be 
special  marks  for  the  bullet  they  must  necessarily  expect. 

Captain  Alexander  S.  Springsteen  when  he  left  us  carried 
with  him  the  good-will  of  the  entire  regiment,  whose  regard 
he  had  won  by  his  modest  and  gentlemanly  bearing,  as  well 
as  by  his  attainments  as  a  soldier.  He  demonstrated  while 
with  the  regiment  that  a  young  man  could  be  a  good  soldier 
and  at  the  same  time  be  free  from  the  vices  of  camp  life ; 
that  strict  Christian  principle  could  be  united  with  fidelity  to 
soldierly  duty.  He  made  a  most  excellent  officer,  as  those 
under  whom  he  subsequently  served  affirm.  He  was  atten 
tive  to  his  duty  and  was  always  ready  for  service.  He  was 
both  respected  and  loved.  He  died  of  yellow  fever  at  Key 


LIEUTENANT  FORCE.  169 

West,  Florida,  September  6th,  1864.     We  regret  not  to  be 
abje  to  present  his  face  in  these  records. 

Lieutenant  Jacob  Francis  Force  was  born  March  2d,  1843, 
at  Stillwater,  Saratoga  County,  New  York.  He  received  his 
education  in  the  public  schools  and  academy  of  his  native 
village  ;  in  1860  removed  to  Newark,  New  Jersey,  and  was 
engaged  for  two  years  in  mercantile  pursuits ;  returned  to 
Stillwater  in  the  spring  of  1862,  and  on  the  I3th  of  August, 
1862,  enlisted  in  Captain  Vandenburgh's  Company  K,  of  the 


LIEUTENANT  JACOB  FRANCIS  FORCE. 

One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment  New  York  Vol 
unteers,  then  being  raised  at  Troy,  New  York.  He  was 
mustered  in  with  the  regiment  and  left  with  it  for  the  front, 
August  3Oth,  1862.  Was  with  the  regiment  continuously 
from  that  time  until  January  8th,  1864.  At  Martinsburg, 
Virginia,  he  was  made  corporal  and  was  promoted  to  fourth 
sergeant  at  Union  Mills,  Virginia,  January  8th,  1863,  by 
Levin  Crandall,  Lieutenant-Colonel  commanding  regiment  ; 
on  the  22d  of  April,  1863,  he  was  made  first  sergeant  of  the 
company.  He  was  the  first  orderly  sergeant  of  the  regiment 


I/O       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

to  call  the  roll  of  the  Company  from  memory,  which  being- 
noticed  by  Colonel  Willard,  an  order  was  issued  requiring 
all  first  sergeants  in  the  regiment  to  commit  the  roll  of 
names  to  memory.  December  3ist,  1863,  he  was  discharged 
as  an  enlisted  man  by  order  of  the  War  Department  in  order 
to  accept  an  appointment  as  first  lieutenant  in  the  Twenty- 
second  United  States  Colored  Troops,  then  organizing  at 
Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania.  Before  leaving  the  regiment 
January  8th,  1864,  he  was  presented  with  a  sabre,  belt  and 
gloves  by  the  members  of  K  Company,  the  presentation 
being  made  by  Chaplain  E.  D.  Simons.  After  joining  the 
Twenty-second  U.  S.  Colored  Troops,  he  was  assigned  to 
H  Company;  May  3d,  1864,  he  was  promoted  captain  of 
the  same  company,  and  with  his  regiment  participated  in 
repulsing  attacks  on  Wilson's  Wharf  and  Fort  Powhatan  on 
the  James  River,  and  on  June  I5th,  1864,  was  with  the 
advance  on  Petersburg,  his  regiment  leading  the  first  charge. 
He  performed  duty  in  the  trenches  and  on  picket  contin 
ually  from  this  time  until  in  September,  when  his  regiment 
was  ordered  to  Dutch  Gap  Canal  to  assist  in  its  construction. 
September  2Qth,  he  took  part  in  a  charge  on  New  Market 
Heights,  and  on  September  3Oth,  while  repulsing  the  enemy 
in  their  attempt  to  retake  Fort  Harrison,  he  was  wounded 
in  the  left  shoulder.  Complete  removal  of  several  inches  of 
bone  from  the  upper  portion  of  the  left  arm  was  the  result, 
from  which  a  fair  recovery  was  made,  and  on  April  10,  1865, 
he  was  discharged  from  the  service  by  Special  Order  War 
Department  "  on  account  of  wounds  received  in  action." 

Since  the  war  Captain  Force  has  taken  a  medical  course 
of  study,  and  for  thirteen  years  has  practised  his  profession 
at  Hern  Lake,  Minnesota.  For  the  two  years  preceding  this 
writing  he  has  been  located  in  his  profession  at  Minneapolis, 
Minnesota,  at  the  same  time  serving  as  Director  and  Medi 
cal  Director  of  the  Northwestern  Aid  Association,  a  Life 
Insurance  Company ;  Vice-President  and  Lecturer  on  Ma- 
teria-Medica  in  the  Minneapolis  College  of  Physicians  and 
Surgeons,  also,  Minneapolis  College  of  Pharmacy.  He  is 


MAJOR  TOWNSEND. 


I/I 


Vice-President  of  the  Third  Ward  of  the  Hennepin  County 
Sunday  School  Association,  and  a  member  of  the  official 
board  of  the  Foss  M.  E.  Church,  and  is  a  Sabbath  School 
teacher.  It  was  of  such  men  that  the  One  Hundred  and 
Twenty-fifth  was  largely  composed. 

Major  Benjamin  Roach  Townsend  was  born  November 
2/th,  1838,  at  New  Orleans,  Louisiana,  of  mixed  (Northern 
and  Southern)  parentage.  During  the  struggle  for  Texan 
Independence  his  father  took  his  mother  to  New  Orleans,  re- 


MAJOR  BENJAMIN  ROACH  TOWNSEND. 

turning  to  Texas  to  take  part  in  the  struggle  At  this  time 
he  came  into  the  world  and  was  taken  to  Texas  while  yet  an 
infant  His  mother  died  when  he  was  but  five  years  old,  and 
he  then  went  to  reside  with  an  uncle  in  Oneida  County,  New 
York.  He  was  educated  in  the  States  of  New  York,  Louisi 
ana,  Missouri,  Texas  and  Massachusetts.  He  was  in  Texas 
at  the  breaking  out  of  the  Rebellion  and  remained  there  un 
til  the  2 1st  of  November,  1861.  His  father  entertained 
strong  Union  sentiments,  as  did  all  his  relatives  on  his  fath 
er's  side,  with  one  exception.  Some  of  them  were  original 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

Abolitionists.     His  father,    Nathaniel    Townsend,    had    left 
Texas  before  the  breaking  out  of  hostilities  and  was  residing 

D  t> 

in  New  Jersey  when  his  son  joined  the  family  in  December, 
1 86 1.  Early  in  1862  they  went  to  reside  in  Oneida  Co., 
N.  Y.,  where  the  father  was  born,  and  where,  in  August,  1862, 
the  son  enlisted  as  a  private  in  the  Second  United  States 
Sharpshooters,  (Berdan's  regiment)  an  old  regiment  already 
In  the  field.  He  joined  the  regiment  on  the  field  of  the  sec 
ond  battle  of  Bull  Run.  On  this  field  a  brother  was  shot 
through  both  legs,  while  making  a  charge  with  his  regiment. 
As  soon  as  the  so-called  Confederate  authorities  learned  that 
the  son  was  in  the  Union  army,  they  confiscated  and  sold  all 
the  property  of  both  father  and  son.  The  son  remained  a 
private  in  his  regiment,  constantly  on  duty,  and  present  at 
the  battle  of  Antietam  and  other  engagements,  until  the  bat 
tle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  when  he  received  from  Govenor 
E.  D.  Morgan  of  the  State  of  New  York  an  appointment  as 
second  lieutenant  in  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Reg 
iment.  Most  of  the  time  while  with  the  regiment  he  was 
•doing  picket  duty  at  Bull  Run.  Lieutenant  Townsend  was 
too  sick  to  take  an  active  part  at  Gettysburg,  and  for  a  month 
after  the  battle  remained  at  a  farmhouse  jn  the  vicinity  of 
the  battlefield,  the  regimental  surgeon,  Dr.  Cooper,  saying 
he  believed  that  Lieutenant  Townsend  would  never  recover. 
He  however  rejoined  his  regiment  a  month  later,  though  not 
fully  recovered,  and  was  immediately  ordered  to  act  as  regi 
mental  quartermaster.  In  the  battle  of  Gettysburg  Lieuten 
ant  Townsend  had  a  brother  and  another  relative  killed,  both 
shot  through  the  head.  Before  this  battle  Lieutenant  Town- 
send  had  been  examined  and  promoted  to  a  first  lieuten- 
antcy  in  Company  F,  Captain  Plumb.  He  had  heretofore 
served  with  Company  D,  Captain  Armstrong.  At  the  fight 
at  Bristoe  Station,  when  Captain  Plurnb,  of  Company  F,  was 
mortally  wounded,  the  command  of  that  company  devolved 
upon  Lieutenant  Townsend,  next  in  rank.  He  remained 
with  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment  until 
^October,  1863,  when  he  received  from  the  President  his  ap- 


THEY  LEAVE  US.  173 

pointment  as  major  of  tne  Second  United  States  Colored 
Infantry,  having  been  previously  examined  by  General 
Casey's  board  for  the  position.  In  May,  1864,  he  became 
lieutenant-colonel  of  the  latter  regiment,  and  in  July,  1864, 
colonel,  his  predecessor  in  the  command  of  the  regiment 
having  died  of  yellow  fever  at  Key  West,  Florida.  Major 
Townsend  joined  his  new  command  at  Camp  Casey,  Va.,  and 
soon  after  was  ordered  to  the  Department  of  the  Gulf.  The 
regiment  was  stationed  for  a  time  at  Ship  Island,  and  from 
thence  went  to  Fort  Taylor,  Key  West.  Colonel  Townsend 
here  had  a  severe  attack  of  yellow  fever,  five  physicians  giv 
ing  him  up  to  die.  Two-thirds  of  the  officers  of  the  regi 
ment,  (who  were  all  white)  died  of  the  disease ;  but  of  eight 
hundred  of  the  enlisted  men,  who  were  colored,  only  three  or 
four  died,  and  these  through  imprudence.  A  portion  of  the 
regiment  remained  at  Fort  Taylor  until  the  close  of  the  war ; 
another  portion  was  assigned  to  duty  at  Fort  Myers  and 
Cedar  Keys,  Florida.  He  remained  in  command  at  Fort 
Taylor  and  the  post  of  Key  West  for  some  months,  when  he 
was  ordered  to  take  command  at  Cedar  Keys,  that  post  be 
ing  in  almost  a  mutinous  condition.  After  a  few  months  he 
returned  to  his  command  at  Key  West.  He  was  in  the  en 
gagement,  second  in  command,  under  General  Newton,  at 
the  Natural  Bridge  on  the  St.  Marks  River,  Florida,  where 
every  officer  and  every  light  colored  man  in  his  command, 
with  one  exception,  was  killed  or  wounded.  Colonel  Town- 
send  was  here  slightly  wounded  and  had  a  cannon  ball  pass 
between  his  legs,  tearing  both  trowser-legs  into  shreds.  After 
this  engagement  he  returned  to  Key  West,  where  he  re 
mained  until  the  close  of  the  war.  After  the  war  he  returned 
to  Texas,  declining  an  appointment  in  the  regular  army,  to 
look  after  the  interests  of  his  father's  family  and  estate.  His 
father  died  in  June,  1864.  He  resided  in  Texas  until  the 
Spring  of  1877,  when  he  removed  to  Wallingford,  Connecti 
cut,  where,  at  the  time  of  this  writing,  he  resides. 

We  take  the  following  sketch  of  Lieutenant-Colonel,  after 
wards  Colonel  and  Brevet  Brigadier-General  Samuel  C.  Arm- 


1/4       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  V.  S.  VOLS. 

strong,  from  the  Christian  Union,  to  which  paper  we  are  in 
debted  for  the  engraving  of  his  face,  made  from  a  recent 
photograph.  The  sketch,  with  an  account  of  his  work  at 
Hampton,  Va.,  and  with  picture  of  the  Normal  School  build 
ings,  appears  in  the  Indian  supplement  to  that  paper,  under 
date  of  Oct.  6th.,  1887.  But  that  sketch  only  meagrely  pre 
sents  the  facts  of  his  life  and  a  true  portraiture  of  a  charac 
ter  which  exalted  the  subject  in  the  estimation  of  the  regi 
ment  which  he  aided  in  forming,  and  that  causes  his  sur 
viving  comrades  to  take  a  just  pride  in  his  noble  and  self- 
sacrificing  career. 

"Samuel  Chapman  Armstrong  was  born  January  3Oth,  1839, 
at  Wailuka,  Island  of  Maori,  Hawaiian  Islands,  his  parents, 
Richard  and  Clarissa  Chapman  Armstrong,  being  among  the 
first  missionaries  to  that  group.  Shortly  after  his  birth  his 
father  entered  the  government  service,  and  was  made  Min 
ister  of  Public  Instruction,  in  which  position  he  had  charge 
of  the  entire  school  system  of  the  nation,  and  controlled  the 
educational  facilities  for  a  population  of  65,000  people.  His 
son  Samuel  was  trained  in  this  atmosphere  until  his  father's 
death  in  1860,  when  he  came  to  the  United  States  and 
entered  the  junior  class  in  Williams  College,  Williamstown, 
Massachusetts.  In  1862  he  was  graduated,  and  at  once  vol 
unteered  and  raised  a  company  in  Troy,  New  York,  going 
out  as  captain  in  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth. 

"  In  the  fall  of  1863  Major  Armstrong  volunteered  for  the 
colored  service,  and  was  made  lieutenant-colonel  of  the 
Ninth  United  States  Colored  Infantry.  During  the  follow 
ing  winter  he  was  for  three  months  in  active  service  in 
South  Carolina,  and  after  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness, 
joined  the  Army  of  the  James,  first  with  the  Tenth  Army 
Corps  under  Terry,  and  later  with  the  Twenty-fourth  Army 
Corps  under  Weitzel.  With  a  division  of  this  Corps  he- 
followed  Lee  to  the  surrender  at  Appomattox,  immediately 
after  which,  at  the  request  of  his  superior  officer,  he  was 
promoted,  with  the  rank  of  brevet  brigadier-general.  He 
was  then  ordered  to  Texas  to  garrison  the  Rio  Grande 


GENERAL  SAMUEL  C.  ARMSTRONG. 


176       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

frontier,  and  watch  Maximilian.  After  four  months'  service 
there  he  returned,  and,  with  his  regiment,  was  mustered  out 
at  Camp  Penn,  Pennsylvania. 

"  He  at  once  applied  to  General  Howard  for  a  position 
which  should  enable  him  to  work  among  the  freedmen,  and 
was  by  him  sent  to  Hampton  to  settle  the  difficulties  between 
the  thousands  of  refugee  contrabands  who  had  drifted  in 
there  and  the  returned  Confederate  families.  He  was  put 
in  charge  of  the  work  of  the  Freedmen's  Bureau  at  this 
point,  and  was  given  the  supervision  of  ten  counties  in 
Eastern  Virginia,  an  officer  being  appointed  under  him  in 
each  county  who  administered  civil  law  in  military  courts 
and  adjudicated  upon  the  frequently  conflicting  claims  of 
the  two  races.  A  year  spent  in  this  service  impressed  him 
strongly  with  the  importance  of  establishing  an  educational 
center  in  this  locality,  and  he  urged  the  American  Missionary 
Association  to  buy  land  for  that  purpose,  they  being  already 
on  the  ground. 

"They  accepted  his  plan,  and  at  their  request  he  took 
charge  of  the  work,  and  in  1868  the  '  Hampton  Normal  and 
Agricultural  Institute  for  Negroes' was  opened,  with  Gen 
eral  Armstrong  as  principal.  Since  that  time  his  life  has 
been  completely  identified  with  that  of  the  school  of  which 
he  may  fairly  be  said  to  have  been  the  founder,  and  which 
has  been  from  the  outset  an  important  factor  in  the  devel 
opment  of  the  Southern  negro." 

While  with  the  colored  troops,  Colonel  Armstrong  was 
through  several  days'  fighting  north  of  the  James  River,  that 
established  the  Union  lines  before  Richmond.  For  six 
weeks  he  was  in  the  front  line  of  works  in  advance  of  Fort 
Steadman,  close  to  the  rebel  lines.  This  position  was  at 
once  a  line  of  battle  and  a  picket  line.  He  was  under 
constant  firing,  and  continually  within  range  of  artillery. 
Later,  he  was  in  the  Negro  division  that  attended  Grant  to 
the  left  of  the  line  in  pursuit  of  Lee.  His  brigade  stood 
early  in  the  morning  of  Lee's  surrender,  across  the  Lynch- 
burg  turnpike  on  which  Lee's  advance  tried  to  escape.  A 


GENERAL  SAMUEL  C.  ARMSTRONG.  I// 

few  shots  were  exchanged  and  the  rebels  fell  back. 

Since  the  war,  the  service  he  has  given  to  the  solving  of 
the  Negro  and  Indian  problem  has  placed  him  among  the 
chief  benefactors  of  these  jaces.  The  intense  devotion  of 
a  tireless  energy  to  his  work,  the  consecration  of  exceptional 
gifts  to  a  truly  philanthropic  and  Christian  mission  have  in 
corporated  his  character  into  the  manhood  of  the  hundreds 
who,  at  Hampton,  have  come  under  his  moulding  influence, 
and  have  placed  not  only  the  Negroes  of  the  South  under 
obligations  to  him,  but  the  Nation  itself  is  his  debtor. 

Not  many  words  are  here  given  to  Lieutenant  Harry  N. 
Thorburn,  but  with  hand  of  sincere,  fraternal  love,  would 


LIEUTENANT  HARRY  N.  THORBURN. 

the  writer  place  above  his  early  grave  a  fadeless  flower  of 
fervent  affection.  He  was  born  in  Orange  County,  New 
York,  in  October,  1842.  His  early  life  was  like  so  many  in 
this  country  that  it  is  hardly  possible  to  give  any  distinctive 
points.  He  was  always  studious,  and  his  love  of  books  was 
proverbial  among  his  relations.  His  parents,  being  in  very 
moderate  circumstances,  were  unable  to  give  him  more  than 
a  common-school  education. 

At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  was  converted  and  resolved  to 
devote  his  life  to  the  service  of  God  in  the  ministry,  and  as 


1/8      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

a  book-agent,  earned  the  money  necessary  for  his  first  year's 
schooling.  Then  he  taught  a  country  school  for  a,  time  to 
enable  him  to  continue,  but  the  war  broke  out,  and  in  1862 
he  joined  the  army  as  a  private  in  the  One  Hundred  and 
Twenty-fifth  New  York  Volunteers.  After  some  service  with 
them,  he  obtained  a  commission  as  lieutenant  in  the  Ninth 
United  States  Colored  Troops,  and  served  with  them  until 
the  close  of  the  war,  at  which  time  he  was  in  Texas.  He 
remained  in  the  service  of  the  Government  as  Collector  of 
Customs  for  the  Brazos  District,  until  he  died  of  yellow 
fever  in  the  fall  of  1867. 

Between  Lieutenant  Thorburn  and  the  writer  existed  a  tie 
of  friendship  akin  to  that  which  bound  together  "  David  and 
Jonathan."  As  therefore  death  has  laid  its  hand  apon  one 
for  whom  so  deep  regard  wras  cherished,  David's  lament  over 
his  dead  friend  fittingly  expresses  the  feelings  yet  warm  in 
the  writer's  heart : 

"  I  am  distressed  for  thee,  my  brother. 
Very  pleasant  hast  thou  been  unto  me  : 
Thy  love  to  me  was  wonderful. 
Passing  the  love  of  women." 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

MINE  RUN — STEVENSBURG — MORTON'S  FORD. 

ABOUT  midnight  of  Monday,  November  23d,  orders 
came  to  the  regiment  to  be  ready  to  move  early  the 
next  morning.  Scarcely  had  the  orders  been  delivered  when 
a  rain  set  in.  By  morning  a  severe  storm  was  prevailing ; 
such  a  storm  as  speedily  drenches  men,  and  shrivels  man  and 
beast,  and  deepens  Virginia  mud.  Yet  at  four  o'clock  in  the 
morning  tents  were  struck,  and  the  men  were  in  line,  ready 
to  be  led  forward.  Just  as  the  word  "march  "  was  spoken, 
an  orderly  came  dashing  up  with  message  countermanding 
the  previous  orders.  With  greater  cheerfulness  than  when 
aroused  from  sleep  did  the  men  set  about  to  make  them 
selves  again  comfortable. 

On  that  day  General  Grant  was  directing  the  forces  at 
Chattanooga  against  General  Bragg's  army,  which  occupied 
a  position  seemingly  impregnable.  But,  one  of  Grant's  lieu 
tenants,  General  Hooker,  led  his  victorious  troops  up  Look 
out  Mountain,  and,  in  his  "  battle  above  the  clouds,"  dis 
played  the  dashing  qualities  of  which  he  was  largely  pos 
sessed,  and  retrieved  the  shame  of  Chancellorsville ;  Sher 
man  was  scaling  the  heights  on  the  right  of  the  enemy's  po 
sition,  and  the  evening  of  that  day  found  the  Union  army  in 
readiness  for  the  final  dash  against  Missionary  Ridge.  Sher 
idan  was  to  be  on  the  lead  the  next  morning  at  the  centre  of 
the  line,  and  Thomas  was  at  hand.  While  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac  was  held  back  by  the  fast  falling  rain  from  a  simul 
taneous  move  at  the  East,  the  army  at  the  West  achieved 
one  of  its  grandest  successes  on  the  25th  of  November, 


l8o        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

driving  Bragg  in  utmost  disorder  from  the  heights  of  Mis 
sionary  Ridge.  In  that  three  days'  engagement,  the  Union 
forces  lost  in  killed,  757;  in  wounded,  4,529 ;  and  missing, 
330.  The  Union  forces  were  the  assailants.  The  rebels  lost 
in  killed,  361  ;  wounded,  2,18 1  ;  missing,  6,142. 

The  rain  had  scarcely  ceased  ere  the  orders  were  received 
for  a  forward  movement  in  Virginia.  Very  early  on  the 
morning  of  the  26th,  the  command  to  march  was  published. 


Uhionliines        = 
Confederate  do.  — 

Scale  of  Miles 
t  *  4 


MINE  RUN. 


It  was  Thanksgiving  day  of  that  year.  The  brigade  was 
brought  into  convenient  form,  and  General  Owen  made  the 
following  little  speech:  "  Fellow  Soldiers  and  Countrymen: 
On  this  bright  morning,  auspicious  alike  to  our  country  and 
the  world,  I  have  the  honor  to  announce  that  General  Grant, 
that  great  man,  has  disastrously  defeated  General  Bragg,  and 
that  the  arms  of  the  Western  army  are  triumphant,  and  the 
rebel  army  is  scattered  to  the  winds." 


MINE  RUN.  iSl 

We  marched  the  first  day  across  the  Rapidan,  at  Germania 
Ford,  without  any  resistance,  the  rebels  falling  back  from  a 
strong  and  well  fortified  position ;  yet  one  easily  flanked  by 
a  large  force.  The  next  morning  about  eleven  o'clock,  we 
came  up  to  the  rebel  skirmishers  at  Locust  Grove,  where  skir 
mish-firing  immediately  commenced  and  continued  all  day, 
with  occasional  artillery  firing  on  our  side.  The  only  rebels 
we  saw  this  day  were  skirmishers.  The  main  body  was  con 
cealed  from  view  by  the  woods  abounding  in  those  parts. 
Although  the  skirmish  contest  took  place  in  our  immediate 
front,  the  regiment  was  not  called  into  action,  and,  with  the 
exception  of  building  breastworks  of  rails,  it  remained  idle 
all  the  afternoon.  The  army  advanced  next  morning,  skir 
mishing  with  the  rebels  until  we  came  in  sight  of  their  main 
position,  on  the  farther  side  of  Mine  Run.  General  Meade's 
plan  of  a  surprise  had  been  defeated  by  delays  at  the  river, 
owing  to  miscalculation  in  preparing  the  pontoons ;  and 
because  Gen.  French's  force,  which  was  to  connect  with  the 
right  of  the  Second  Corps,  was  hindered  in  its  progress.  The 
rebel  position  was  naturally  strong,  extending  along  a  high 
hill,  approachable  for  the  most  part  over  an  open  field,  which 
they  were  rapidly  fortifying.  The  sound  of  the  ax  was  ring 
ing  out  on  the  air,  and  their  loud  words  could  plainly  be 
heard.  Artillery  on  both  sides  opened  fire,  and  the  skirmish- 
firing  was  sharp  and  fatal.  Guns  were  planted  ;  our  lines 
were  established,  and  the  military  telegraph  was  raised,  ex 
tending  from  the  headquarters  of  Corps  generals  to  those  of 
General  Meade.  Every  preparation  was  made  for  a  general 
battle.  Notwithstanding  the  element  of  surprise  had  passed, 
and  the  rebels  had  secured  time  to  concentrate  their  divis- 
sions,  somewhat  scattered  in  winter  quarters,  there  can  be 
no  mistake  that  General  Meade  was  fully  purposed  to  strike 
a  severe  blow. 

Towards  night  of  the  28th,  our  regiment  was  sent  on  the 
skirmish  line,  a  duty  which  of  all  others  the  soldiers  dreaded 
most,  as  the  man  who  had  the  best  position  and  was  the  best 
shot  had  every  advantage.  We  considered  skirmish-firing, 


1 82      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  V.  S.  VOLS. 

like  picket-firing,  as  little  less  than  murder,  unless  an  advance 
was  making,  or  special  demand  prevailed.  In  this  instance, 
the  line  ran  principally  over  an  open  field,  with  no  protec 
tion  whatever  for  our  men,  which  fact  added  to  the  unpleas 
antness  of  the  task.  Of  the  regiment  we  relieved,  from 
thirty  to  forty  had  been  shot  during  the  day.  A  similar 
fatality  must  have  been  encountered  by  our  men  had  not 
Colonel  Crandell,  with  characteristic  skill  and  regard  for  his 
men,  called  for  volunteers  and  built  scattered  shelters  for 
groups  of  the  skirmishers.  The  regiment  occupied  this  po 
sition  during  the  night  of  the  28th.  Orders  recalling  the 
men  from  the  skirmish  line  came  on  the  morning  of  the  29th. 
We  understood  that  the  troops  relieving  us  at  this  point 
were  to  have  been  on  hand  before  daylight.  But  it  was  be 
tween  eight  and  nine  o'clock  before  they  appeared.  Now 
took  place  a  grim  sort  of  sport.  The  men  must  run  from 
post  to  post  across  that  open  field,  to  gain  the  woods.  The 
rebel  pickets  were  on  the  keen  lookout,  and  every  man  run 
ning  was  a  target,  greeted  not  only  with  bullets  but  with 
shouting.  But,  as  a  merciful  Providence  would  have  it,  not 
a  man  of  the  regiment  was  harmed.  The  men  would  have 
preferred  to  remain  at  their  post  rather  than  to  cross  that 
fiery  field,  and  all  wondered  at  their  deliverance. 

We  occupied  our  place  in  the  line  of  the  flanking  move 
ment  of  the  Second  Corps,  on  the  29th  of  November,  led  by 
General  G.  K.  Warren.  The  plan  was  to  strike  Lee  on  the 
right  flank  and  to  the  rear  of  his  position.  But  the  movement, 
which  was  designed  to  be  concealed,  was  made  by  General 
Warren  in  command  as  open  as  possible,  with  the  result, 
that  when  we  came  to  the  point  of  assault  the  rebels  were  in 
position,  rapidly  fortifying.  The  writer  remembers  well  the 
attitude  and  sober  appearance  of  General  Warren,  as,  on  this 
flank  move,  we  filed  out  of  the  woods  on  the  Orange  Plank 
Road.  He  made  us  think  of  Napoleon.  By  night  we  were 
in  the  designated  place.  We  then  learned  that  an  attack 
was  to  be  made  along  the  entire  line  at  eight  o'clock  next 
morning — the  3Oth.  The  duty  now  assigned  to  our  Corps 


MINE  RUN. 


183 


was  to  take  the  earthworks  in  our  front.  Our  regiment  was 
to  be  third  in  the  line  of  attack  of  the  advance  Division. 
Such  a  test  was  never  before  put  to  our  men.  The  charge 
they  made  at  Gettysburg  was  a  severe  one  and  a  great  trial. 
As  the  regiment  charged  down  to  the  railroad  embankment 
at  Bristoe  through  that  terrific  storm  of  bullets  from  a  long 
line  of  rebels  on  the  hills  beyond,  it  was  again  tested  and 
proved  its  metal  to  be  true ;  but  the  trial  here  presented  was 
greater  than  at  Gettysburg  or  Bristoe,  greater,  because  the 
resistance  was  more  formidable  ;  greater,  in  that  the  others 
came  unexpectedly,  while  this  was  premeditated,  deliberate. 


GENERAL  G.   K.   WARREN. 

None  who  saw  the  position — as  did  the  writer  from  the  crest 
of  the  knoll  over  which  we  were  to  come  in  view  of  the 
enemy — could  form  any  other  than  the  one  judgment,  that 
victory  if  won,  must  be  at  the  price  of  most  fearful  slaughter. 
Officers  and  men  who  were  in  the  charges  made  on  Freder- 
icksburg  Heights,  said,  that  doubly  difficult  was  the  present 
position.  Full  one  hundred  rods  of  open  ground  must  be 
crossed — ground  swept  by  over  thirty  pieces  of  artillery  and 
by  a  long  line  of  musketry,  to  which  former  our  cannon 
could  not  have  replied,  for  want  of  a  suitable  position. 
Then,  in  front  of  their  main  line  were  trees  felled — with 


1 84       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

branches  sharpened  like  bayonets,  and  in  front  of  these  a 
strong  line  of  skirmishers  in  heavily-built  rifle-pits.  But,  as 
an  eye-witness  at  the  side  of  our  men  and  with  them,  the 
writer  can  testify  that  notwithstanding  all  this,  although  our 
officers  and  men  knew  and  could  see  what  was  to  be  done, 
and  the  slaughter  imminent,  there  was  but  one  expression, 
"  to  move  forward  so  long  as  they  could  walk ;"  and  they 
would  have  done  it.  Knapsacks  were  unloosed  and  piled 
together.  Men  said  :  "  Tell  my  mother,  if  I  fall,  that  I  died, 
I  trust,  in  a  good  cause.  I  have  tried  to  do  as  she  told  me : 


ABATIS  AT  MINE  RUN. 

I  have  tried  to  put  my  trust  in  God,  and  hope  to  meet  her 
and  the  rest  in  heaven." 

All  is  in  readiness  and  in  expectation.  And  the  signal- 
gun  is  fired  at  the  right  of  the  line.  Boom — boom — sound 
the  cannon  along  the  line  as  the  signal  is  taken  up.  But  as 
it  comes  our  turn  to  respond  with  the  crash  of  the  charge, 
the  orders  to  "  Fall  in  !"  "  Forward,  Charge  !"  remain  unspo 
ken.  What  means  it  ?  General  Warren  takes  the  responsi 
bility  of  withholding  the  order.  It  was  reported  that  he  had 


MINE  RUN.  185 

sent  word  to  Meade  that  he  could  take  the  position,  but 
there  would  be  no  Second  Corps  left.  As  the  morning- 
advances  General  Meade  rides  near  us,  dismounts,  and  with 
field-glass  in  hand  advances  to  a  position  to  survey  the 
enemy's  works,  and  acquiesces  in  General  Warren's  decision. 
That  day  and  the  day  following  are  passed  in  building  earth 
works  in  our  vicinity.  And  on  the  night  of  December  1st, 
we  are  withdrawn  and  marched  backward  across  the  Rapidan, 
that  river  which  had  come  to  seem  to  us  as  a  Providential 
line  beyond  which  hitherto  the  edict  of  battle  had  been  "  thus 
far  shalt  thou  go  but  no  farther."  We  were  withdrawn — I 
said :  withdrawn — all  save  the  picket  line,  which  by  strange, 
sad  mistake  of  the  Division  Officer  of  the  Day,  was  left  in 
position  and  was  captured ;  forty-one  from  our  regiment 
alone  being  among  the  number,  most  of  whom  came  not  to 
us  again.  Their  bones  are  crumbling  to  dust  in  .the  soil 
under  rebel  prisons. 

The  night  march  we  made  from  Mine  Run  covered  some 
twenty-five  miles.  Starting  at  8.30  o'clock  in  the  evening  of 
December  1st,  we  marched  without  resting  until  8  o'clock 
the  next  morning,  when  we  reached  the  Rapidan.  Here  a 
four-hour  halt  was  made  ;  when — at  noon — the  march  was 
resumed,  and  was  completed  about  8  o'clock  in  the  evening 
at  the  old  camp  near  Brandy  Station.  The  brief  campaign 
had  proved  fruitless  in  good  to  our  army,  unless  it  may  have 
prevented  the  sending  of  added  reinforcements  from  the 
Army  of  Northern  Virginia  to  the  rebels  defeated  at  the 
West.  The  weather  during  the  whole  time  was  exceedingly 
cold  and  blustering,  with  consequent  hardship  to  all  the  men 
and  particularly  to  the  wounded. 

The  loss  of  so  many  of  our  number  captured  was  most 
deplorable.  One-seventh  of  the  entire  brigade  were  made 
prisoners.  To  follow  the  two  score  men  of  our  regiment  in 
their  captivity  were  to  inscribe  one  of  the  saddest  chapters 
in  all  our  history.  Our  regimental  officers  were  in  no 
way  responsible  for  their  captivity.  The  prisoners  were  taken 
first  to  Richmond  and  placed  on  Belle  Island,  where  they 


1 86       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

were  kept  for  two  months.  Then  they  were  confined  in 
Libby  Prison  in  Richmond,  here  remaining  two  weeks. 
Their  fare  at  both  these  places  was  very  poor,  consisting 
mostly  of  bean  soup  and  corn  bread.  While  on  Belle  Island 
the  men  killed  and  ate  the  captain's  dog.  In  the  fore  part 
of  March  they  were  sent  to  Andersonville.  Disease  followed 
in  the  wake  of  impoverishing  food  and  necessary  uncleanli- 
ness,  and  because  of  the  character  of  the  crowded  prison  in- 
closures.  Twice  while  at  Andersonville  they  were  "  run  off," 
to  prevent  their  release  by  Union  troops.  Of  the  whole 


LIBBY    PRISON. 


number  of  our  men  captured  at  Mine  Run  only  nine  sur 
vived  the  dreadful  ordeal.  War  has  written  on  its  ghastly 
pages  no  blot  more  dishonoring  to  humanity  than  that  traced 
by  rebel  hands  in  their  treatment  of  Union  prisoners.  Judge 
Robert  Ould  has  sought  to  cast  the  blame  of  the  non- 
exchange  of  prisoners  upon  the  National  authorities ;  but  no 
manner  of  pleading  can  remove  the  crime  of  forbidding  food 
and  clothing  from  passing  to  men  starving  to  death  and  per 
ishing  in  their  destitution.  No  fair  words  can  mitigate  the 
cruelty  of  withholding  bread  from  a  hungry  enemy.  If  the 


JOHN  W.  BOUNDS. 


187 


rebels  claim  that  they  could  not  suitably  feed  their  own  men, 
then  aggravated  was  their  wrong  in  prolonging  the  war. 

The  total  number  of  Confederate  prisoners  taken  during 
the  entire  war  and  sent  to  depots  at  the  North  was  222,847. 
The  entire  number  of  the  Union  troops  captured  and  con 
veyed  to  depots  at  the  South  was  129,950.  This  does  not 
include  those  paroled  upon  agreement  of  commanders,  nor 
those  caotured  and  paroled  at  the  final  surrender  of  the  rebel 


JOHN   W.   BOUNDS. 

armies.  A  much  larger  number  of  Confederates  was  cap 
tured  than  of  Union  soldiers.  The  number  of  the  rebel 
prisoners  who  died  while  in  the  hands  of  the  United  States 
authorities  was  as  one  to  eight  and  twenty-seven  one  hun- 
dredths  (i  :  8.27).  The  Union  troops  dying  while  in  custody 
of  the  Confederate  authorities  was  as  one  to  three  and  forty- 
four  one  hundredths  (i  :  3.44).  This  makes  the  proportion  of 
Union  soldiers  who  thus  died  as  about  three  to  one  of  the 


1 88      ONE  HUNDRED  AND   TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

Confederates.  The  Southern  prisons  of  greatest  fatality 
were  at  Richmond,  Salisbury,  Florence  and  Andersonville. 
These  four  places  were  under  the  direct  control  of  the  au 
thorities  at  Richmond.  The  number  of  the  unknown  dead 
in  these  places  exceeds  by  more  than  5,000  the  whole  num 
ber  of  Confederate  prisoners  who  died  in  the  hands  of  the 
United  States  Government  during  the  entire  war.  After  the 
1 2th  of  December,  1863,  the  rebel  authorities  declined  to 
allow  the  United  States  Government  to  send  food  and  cloth 
ing  to  its  men  in  prison ;  and,  on  the  2/th  of  that  month,  the 
rebel  authorities  refused  to  exchange  prisoners  man  for  man. 
This  fatal  condition  of  affairs  entangled  in  its  deadly  net  our 
captured  men  of  the  campaign  of  Mine  Run. 

The  treatment  of  our  men  was  murderous.  Did  the  torch 
of  war  touch  houses  of  worship  at  the  South?  Was  this 
sacrilegious  crime  ?  A  thousand-fold  worse  was  it  to  destroy, 
with  deliberate  intent  and  in  cold  blood,  needlessly,  living 
"  temples  of  the  Holy  Ghost."  29,498  Union  men  died  in 
rebel  prisons.  The  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regi 
ment  count  two  officers  and  sixty-one  enlisted  men  who 
perished  in  captivity.  The  story  of  their  exposure,  their 
deprivation  of  clothing,  their  neglect,  the  cruelty  inflicted, 
their  starving,  diseased,  dying  condition  is  too  long  for  such 
a  work  as  this.  Comrade  John  W.  Bounds,  one  of  the  Mine 
Run  prisoners,  captured  with  the  others  as  in  their  effort  to 
join  the  army,  they  neared  the  ford  of  the  Rapidan,  has 
written  the  record  of  months  of  suffering  and  has  described 
scenes  too  heartrending  to  darken  even  the  pages  of  a  war 
history. 

After  Mine  Run  came  months  of  encampment  near  Ste- 
vensburg.  The  army  went  into  winter-quarters.  Officers' 
wives  made  their  way  to  camp.  Neat  log-houses  were 
prepared,  roofs  of  Virginia  barns  being  made  to  cover  North 
ern  men.  Mrs.  Colonel  Crandell  and  Mrs.  Dr.  Cooper  and 
the  wife  of  Captain  Chamberlin  were  among  the  number  of 
those  who  brightened,  by  their  presence,  the  rude  surround, 
ings  of  a  soldier's  life.  Efforts  were  made  to  entertain  in 


MORTON'S  FORD.  189 

pleasing  ways,  those  facing  the  grim  circumstance  of  war. 
The  "  bands  "  discoursed  music,  and  "  balls  "  were  arranged. 
Visits  among  officers  were  made.  Religious  zeal  had  a 
prominent  manifestation.  The  log  chapel  of  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Twenty-fifth — to  which  reference  has  been  made — 
when  completed,  was  dedicated  in  January,  1864,  with 
appropriate  services,  the  chaplain  of  the  One  Hundred  and 
Eleventh,  and  Captain  Winfield  Scott  of  the  One  Hundred 
and  Twenty-sixth  Regiments,  taking  part  in  the  services. 
Meetings  were  held  nightly  within  the  rude  walls  and  were 
largely  attended,  and  the  results  were  most  Oratifying. 
Friends  at  home  took  pains  to  send  articles  of  comfort,  the 
more  welcome  because  prepared  by  those  evermore  cherished 
in  the  soldier's  affection,  and  foremost  in  his  conversation 
with  comrades  about  the  camp-fire  or  within  the  tent.  Let 
ters  were  frequent.  Some  of  the  people  at  home  wisely 
entered  into  correspondence  with  unknown  soldiers.  Some 
of  the  men,  advertising  for  correspondents,  received  full  a 
hundred  different  replies — replies  breathing  patriotic  inspira 
tion  ;  replies,  some  of  them,  darkened  by  sin ;  replies,  per 
vaded  by  a  truly  Christian  spirit. 

Thus  two  months  of  relief  from  actual  engagements  passed 
with  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  But,  Saturday  morning 
February  6th,  about  four  o'oclock,  an  order  came  to  us  rather 
unexpectedly  to  be  ready  to  march  at  seven  o'clock.  At  the 
appointed  time,  we  moved  forward  towards  the  Rapidan, 
which  was  only  four  or  five  miles  from  our  camp.  We  stopped 
awhile,  a  short  distance  this  side  of  Morton's  Ford,  in  the 
woods,  and  at  eleven  o'clock,  moved  out  of  the  woods,  and 
were  in  plain  sight  of  the  rebels.  Their  pickets  were  being 
relieved  at  the  time  on  the  other  side  of  the  river,  and 
seemed  at  a  loss  to  make  out  our  object  in  coming — suppos 
ing  at  first,  as  one  of  the  prisoners  told  us,  that  we  were 
about  to  form  a  new  picket  line  on  the  bank  of  the  river. 
The  move  was  entirely  unexpected  by  them.  They  soon 
saw  their  mistake,  and  ran  into  their  earthworks  that  lined 
the  south  bank  of  the  Rapidan.  One  hundred  men  of  our 


IQO       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  X.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

regiment  were  formed  as  skirmishers,  supported  by  some 
from  the  Garibaldi  Guards  and  the  One  Hundred  and  Twen 
ty-sixth.  Our  regiment  also  was  on  the  very  advance  of  the 
column.  Firing  commenced  immediately  by  the  rebels,  but 
before  they  could  fire  more  than  one  volley,  our  men  were  in 
the  river,  commanded  by  Captain  Quay,  of  D  Company,  and 
Lieutenant  Merritt  Miller,  led  by  Captain  Seabury,  adjutant- 
general  of  the  brigade,  who  was  in  command  of  all  of  the 
skirmishers,  and  were  wading  across  in  the  face  of  the  enemy. 
The  river  at  the  ford  was  some  four  feet  deep,  and  was  so 
rapid  that  the  men  could  scarcely  keep  their  footing — some, 
indeed,  being  thrown  down  and  completely  covered  by  the 
water,  which  was  very  cold.  The  banks  up  which  we  had  to 
climb  were  high  and  steep,  and  very  muddy.  The  men  of 
our  regiment  were  the  first  across,  and  captured  twenty-six 
privates  and  two  commissioned  officers,  who  were  sent  to 
the  rear — seemingly  glad  to  fall  into  our  hands.  As  soon  as 
the  skirmishers  commenced  crossing,  our  column  advanced 
and  forded  the  river  as  fast  as  possible.  Skirmishing  was 
kept  up  about  all  the  afternoon  until  six  o'clock,  when  the 
rebels  made  a  charge  upon  us,  which  was  resisted  by  the 
Fourteenth  Connecticut — the  rebels  being  driven  back.  We 
lay  upon  the  ground,  shivering  with  cold,  until  after  twelve 
o'clock  at  night,  and  then  fell  back  to  this  side  of  the  river, 
and  on  Sunday  night,  marched  back  to  camp.  We  had  a 
rough  time,  on  the  whole.  It  was  cold  and  rainy ;  besides  we 
had  no  opportunity  to  dry  our  clothes  from  the  time  we 
forded  the  river  until  two  o'clock  the  next  morning — yet  the 
men  were  in  good  spirits  all  the  time.  Quite  a  number  were 
wounded  in  our  division,  which  was  the  ©nly  one  that 
crossed  the  river  ;  but  our  regiment  did  not  lose  a  single 
man,  killed  or  wounded.  A  great  many  had  narrow  escapes 
—their  clothes  being  grazed  by  bullets.  Our  colonel,  after 
the  fight  was  over,  found  a  bullet  in  one  of  his  boots.  We 
did  not  escape  because  we  were  not  under  fire,  for  we  were 
exposed  almost  all  of  the  time.  Nor  did  we  escape  because 
we  were  in  the  rear,  for,  as  I  have  already  stated,  the  skir- 


MORTON'S  FORD.  191 

mishers  of  our  regiment  were  the  first  to  cross  the  river. 
Our  regiment  also  crossed  first,  and  our  brigade  did  all  of 
the  skirmishing  during  the  day.  Nor  did  we  escape  merely 
because  our  men  are  well  disciplined  and  act  skillfully  and 
coolly  in  battle,  but  by  reason  of  a  merciful  Providence  that 
"  covered  our  head  in  the  day  of  battle." 

The  crossing  of  the  river,  when  the  advance  was  made,  dis 
played  the  dashing  qualities  of  our  division  commander,  Gen 
eral  Alexander  Hays.  He  placed  himself,  dismounted,  at 


GENERAL  ALEXANDER  HAYS. 


the  head  of  the  column.  D  Company,  under  command  of 
Captain  William  D.  Taylor,  was  on  the  lead.  Captain  Tay 
lor  had  just  taken  from  a  man  an  ax.  General  Hays  said  to 
him :  "  Give  me  that  ax,"  and,  striking  at  a  bush,  he  contin 
ued,  "we  will  cut  them  down  as  I  do  this  brush."  He  car 
ried  the  ax  all  day  ;  the  next  day,  returning  it  to  D  Company. 
General  Hays  commanded  the  unlimited  confidence  and  ad 
miration  of  our  men.  He  was  among  the  bravest.  Blunt  of 
speech,  and  kind  of  heart ;  he  was  also  an  educated,  scholarly 
man.  His  name  was  an  inspiration  to  valor;  and  his  leader- 


IQ2       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VQLS. 

ship  at  Morton's  Ford  increased  his  popularity,  already  fully 
established  by  his  courageous  conduct  at  Auburn,  Bristoe 
and  Gettysburg. 

During  the  fighting,  as  the  cannonballs  were  cutting 
through  our  ranks,  the  men  for  a  moment  appeared  demor 
alized.  But  Colonel  Crandell  called  them  into  line,  bade 
them  dress  on  the  colors ;  and  then,  all  being  in  good  order, 
he  commanded,  "  Lie  down  !"  This  was  one  of  three  instan 
ces  which  the  writer  saw  of  bringing  the  men  into  line  in 


LIEUTENANT  I5ENNETT  G.  BARTO. 


time  of  battle,  as  if  on  the  drill-ground  instead  of  under  fire. 
It  was  bravely,  wisely  done.  James  Bennett  of  D  Company 
had  his  coffeepot  in  hand  when  a  shot  struck  it  and  carried  it 
sharply  away.  He  declared,  to  the  amusement  of  the  men: 
"  It  took  it  away  in  one  sweep." 

While  we  lost  none  directly  at  Morton's  Ford,  which  fact 
the  writer  points  out,  as,  in  view  of  our  constant  exposure, 
one  of  the  singular  features  of  that  action — as  had  been  true 
once  before — yet  that  cold  river-crossing,  and  the  chill  of 


LIEUTENANT  CLEMINSHAW.  IQ3 

that  February  day,  cost  us  several  valuable  officers  and  men 
who  never  recovered  from  the  unusual  exposure.  One  of 
these  men  was  Lieutenant  Bennett  G.  Barto.  Lieutenant 
Barto  was  a  lineal  descendent  of  old  Huguenot  stock.  His 
patriotism  prompted  him  to  enlist  as  early  as  October,  1861, 
in  the  Black  Horse  Cavalry.  This  regiment  was  mustered 
out  March,  2 1st,  1862.  August  1st  found  him  enrolled  in 
I  Company,  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth.  He  was 
promoted  from  sergeant  to  lieutenant,  and  served  with  the 
regiment  until  after  Morton's  Ford,  where  disease  was  con- 


LIEUTENANT  SHERMAN  CLEMINSHAW. 

tracted,  which  compelled  him  and  Lieutenant  Edward  O'Con 
nor  to  withdraw  from  the  service,  their  resignations  being 
accepted  with  honor  to  themselves.  Notwithstanding  his 
honorable  discharge,  Lieutenant  Barto,  upon  finding  his 
health  recovering,  again,  and  for  the  third  time,  entered  the 
service,  the  last  time  enlisting  on  the  third  of  September, 
1864,  in  the  First  New  York  Mounted  Rifles,  remaining  in 
the  service  until  the  close  of  the  war. 

Lieutenant  Sherman  Cleminshaw,  .and  Adjutant  E.  P. 
Sheldon,  were  not  destined  to  serve  longer  with  the  regi 
ment  than  the  time  passed  at  Stevensburg.  Lieutenant 


194       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

Cleminshaw,  after  an  honorable  connection  with  the  regi 
ment,  in  which  he  had  gained  promotion  from  the  ranks,  was 
on  the  1 2th  of  February  removed  permanently  from  our  reg 
iment.  He  was  born  at  Troy,  New  York,  January  28th, 
1838.  He  was  a  machinist  and  worked  at  his  trade  until  the 
war  broke  out.  He  enlisted  as  sergeant  in  F  Company  of 
our  regiment.  He  was  promoted  to  a  second  lieutenantcy, 
January  I5th,  1863.  He  was  with  the  regiment  in  the  bat 
tles  of  Gettysburg,  Auburn  and  Bristoe.  Thereafter  he  was 
disabled  by  disease  and  was  transferred  to  the  Veteran 


ADJUTANT  ELIAS  P.    SHELDON. 

Reserve  Corps.  He  was  acting-assistant  quartermaster  at 
Albany,  New  York,  in  1864;  and  was  acting-assistant  com 
missary  of  subsistence  at  United  States  General  Hospital, 
Albany,  February,  1865.  In  1866,  he  was  military  assistant 
U.  S.  A.  General  Hospital,  Keokuk,  Iowa.  He  was  honora 
bly  discharged  June  3Oth,  1866.  On  his  return  home  he  en 
tered  the  manufacturing  business,  giving  attention  to  inven 
tion,  and  succeeded  in  inventing  the  first  buttonhole  machine 
for  fine  work  ever  used.  Disease  contracted  in  the  war 
ripened  unto  death,  January  Qth,  1881. 


GENERAL  GRANT.  IQ5 

Adjutant  Elias  P.  Sheldon  was  a  son  of  Cyrus  D.  Shel 
don,  Esq.,  who  was  a  lawyer  enjoying  a  local  prominence 
in  Troy,  New  York.  He  was  born  April  I4th,  1838;  was 
educated  at  the  Troy  Academy,  and  was  employed  as  clerk 
in  several  Troy  banks.  He  was  serving  as  bookkeeper  of 
the  Merchants  and  Mechanics  Bank  of  Troy,  just  previous 
to  his  entrance  into  the  regiment.  He  became  Assistant 
Adjutant-General  on  Colonel  Willard's  brigade  staff,  and 
was  at  the  side  of  Colonel  Willard  when  the  latter  fell  at  Get 
tysburg.  He  aided  in  carrying  from  the  field  our  dead  Col 
onel.  Although  subsequently  returning  to  the  regiment, 


GENERAL  GRANT. 

disease  led  to  his  resignation.     He  was  honorably  discharged 
from  the  service. 

The  Army  of  the  Potomac  was  reorganized  in  March  of 
'64,  our  brigade  becoming  the  third  brigade  of  the  first  di 
vision,  instead  of  the  third  division,  as  heretofore,  of  the 
Second  Corps.  The  reorganization  took  from  us  our  brigade 
General,  Joshua  T.  Owen,  giving  us  in  his  place  Colonel 
Paul  Frank ;  and  removing  from  us  the  loved  Hays,  and 
placing  over  us  General  Francis  C.  Barlow.  Repeated  "re 
views  "  occurred  in  April,  at  one  of  which  appeared  a  new 
face  to  witness  the  evolutions  and  to  place  himself  at  the 
head  of  the  forces  at  the  East,  and  to  lead  us  forward  in  the 


196      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

operations  which  we  knew — as  the  Spring  rains  ceased — 
were  rapidly  nearing.  The  new  leader  was  General  Ulysses 
S.  Grant,  coming  by  his  own  choice  from  the  West  to  the 
East,  and  now  possessed  of  a  command  extending  over  the 
whole  area  of  the  war.  His  comingj  to  the  Army  of  the  Po 
tomac  awakened  increased  hopefulness  and  pointed  the  way 
ot  a  ceaseless  going  forward  to  the  victorious  end. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

THE  WILDERNESS. 

THE  year  1864  was  a  year  of  battles  in  a  campaign  that 
embraced  all  the  wide  scene  of  the  protracted  strug 
gle.  At  the  beginning  of  May  our  faces  and  feet  were  again 
turned  to  the  Rapidan,  not  to  be  recrossed  until  a  year  later 
we  should  move  homeward  in  final  victory.  The  orders  to 
advance  came  on  Tuesday  afternoon,  May  3d ;  and  between 
eleven  and  twelve  o'clock  that  night  we  moved  from  our 
camp.  The  men  were  confident  and  hopeful.  They  real 
ized  that  hard  work  was  before  them,  but  they  determined 
to  endure  and  to  do  to  the  utmost.  We  crossed  the  Rapi 
dan  at  Ely's  Ford,  marching  rapidly,  and  reached  Chancel- 
lorsville  at  10.30  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  4th.  We 
bivouacked  near  the  old  Chancellorsville  House,  with  its 
memories  of  the  bloody  engagement  of  a  year  before.  Wre 
remained  at  this  point  until  eight  o'clock  of  Thursday,  the 
5th.  We  now  marched  slowly,  resting  often.  We  were  in 
the  "Wilderness."  Our  regiment  was  assigned  duty  at  the 
junction  of  the  Brock  road  and  a  road  leading  to  the  Cathar- 
pin  road.  The  first  gun  we  heard  that  day  was  at  noon. 
Skirmishing  began  on  our  left  about  4  o'clock  in  the  after 
noon,  by  dismounted  cavalry.  The  regiment  was  immedi 
ately  deployed  as  skirmishers,  pressing  forward  as  the  cav 
alrymen  fell  back.  We  always  expected  hot  work  when  the 
cavalrymen  retired.  We  remained  on  the  skirmish-line  until 
eight  o'clock  in  the  evening.  We  were  then  withdrawn  and 
moved  forward  in  column,  for  several  hours  marching  on  the 
grorund  of  the  battle  of  the  5th.  The  first  intimation  we  re- 


198       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

ceived  of  the  hard  fighting  to  the  right  was  after  we  started 
on  our  night  march.  The  sound  of  the  severe  firing  had  not 
reached  us.  We  learned  that  a  part  of  our  brigade  that  had 
marched  with  the  main  column  had  suffered  severely.  As 
we  laid  down  to  rest  we  were  ordered  to  be  in  readiness  to 
move  at  four  o'clock  in  the  morning.  General  Grant  pur 
posed  to  take  the  initiative  in  the  morning;  but,  by  yielding 
to  General  Meade's  request  to  defer  the  movement  until  five 
o'clock,  he  gave  opportunity  for  the  rebels  to  strike  first. 
There  was  always  a  moral  power  in  being  the  first  to  strike. 


THE  WILDERNESS. 


It  inspirited  the  aggressive  force  and  measureably  depressed 
the  defensive  party. 

The  regiment  was  occupied  until  three  o'clock  in  the 
morning  of  the  6th,  building  earthworks,  and  gained  only 
about  two  hour's  sleep.  At  five  minutes  of  five  o'clock  on 
Friday  morning,  May  6th,  the  fighting  was  resumed.  Parts 
of  the  Fifth,  Sixth  and  Second  Corps  had  fought  the  day 
before.  The  Second  Corps  was  to  do  much  of  the  fighting 
on  the  6th  of  May.  Until  twenty  minutes  of  ten  the  firing 
was  kept  up.  For  three  hours  without  a  moment's  cessation 


THE  WILDERNESS.  1 99 

raged  and  roared  the  conflict  in  its  fury.  The  strife  in  the 
woods  to  our  front  sounded  like  the  wailing  of  a  tempest,  or 
the  roaring  of  the  sea  in  a  storm.  It  swelled  above  the  cries 
of  the  wounded  and  drowned  all  lesser  sounds.  But  little 
artillery  could  be  used.  The  more  terrible  rifle  was  doing 
its  work  among  the  crowded  trees  and  amid  the  underbrush 
of  the  great  forest. 

Our  regiment  was  moved  a  short  distance  from  left  to 
the  right,  our  general  position  being  on  the  left  of  the 
Union  line.  We  were  placed  on  reserve.  About  seven 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  AARON  R.  MYER. 

o'clock,  the  larger  part  of  the  regiment,  all  but  104  officers 
and  men,  were  detailed,  and  sent  to  the  extreme  left  on 
picket  duty,  the  remainder  being  still  held  on  the  reserve 
line.  About  nine  o'clock,  the  one-third  of  the  regiment  at 
hand  was  moved  forward  under  command  of  Lieutenant-Col 
onel  Aaron  B.  Myer  (Colonel  Levin  Crandell  not  having  re 
turned  from  recruiting  service)  and  was  placed  in  line  with 
our  brigade.  Two  additional  regiments  were  put  under  Col 
onel  Myer's  command.  The  order  to  advance  against  the 
rebels  was  now  given.  For  upwards  of  a  mile  did  our  men 
drive  them,  pressing  through  the  densest  underbrush.  The 


200      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

enemy  were  finally  pushed  within  their  earthworks,  where 
they  made  a  stand,  and  the  utmost  effort  to  dislodge  them 
failed  of  success.  At  this  point  fell  the  gallant  leader  of  the 
regiment,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Myer.  The  men  were  fight 
ing  grandly  in  front  of  the  rebel  works.  Colonel  Myer  had 
just  called  Adjutant  Merritt  Miller  to  him  to  give  him  some 
orders  when  a  bullet  struck  him,  and  he  fell  into  the  arms  of 
Adjutant  Miller,  who  directed  men  to  carry  him  to  the  rear. 
The  command  now  devolved  upon  Captain  George  E.  Lemon, 
who  acquitted  himself  with  the  greatest  credit  to  himself 
and  to  the  regiment.  Our  ammunition  giving  out,  the  regi 
ment  was  compelled  to  fall  back,  doing  so  in  good  order,  and 
being  relieved  by  another  line  moving  to  the  front.  The 
men  returned  to  the  trenches  extending  along  the  Brock 
road.  Of  the  104  men  who  moved  forward,  34  were  killed 
and  wounded  and  four  were  missing.  General  Barlow  com 
plimented  highly  the  valor  and  service  of  the  regiment. 

Another  of  our  commanding  officers  had  received  his 
death  wound.  Aaron  Bennett  Myer  was  born  in  Hudson, 
New  York,  March  1st,  1824,  and  moved  with  his  parents  to 
Troy  in  1827.  He  was  one  of  the  original  members  of  Old 
Franklin  Hose,  and  was  seriously  injured  by  the  falling  of 
the  front  wall  of  a  building  in  what  was  known  as  the  Gal- 
usha  fire  in  Troy,  on  River  Street,  just  above  Washington 
Square,  in  March,  1845.  In  September,  1845,  ne  married 
Julia  A.  Perkins  of  Hartford,  Connecticut,  by  whom  he  had 
two  sons,  the  eldest  now  Captain  Myer,  Eleventh  United 
States  Infantry;  the  other,  Frank  E.  Myer,  a  well-known 
young  citizen  of  Troy.  His  widow  still  survives  him.  He 
was  one  of  the  first  members  of  Trojan  Lodge  of  Odd  Fel 
lows.  He  was  a  sergeant  in  the  old  Troy  City  Artillery  for 
some  years  until  1861,  when  he  was  elected  captain  to  fill  the 
vacancy  created  by  the  departure  of  Captain  Parks  for  the 
seat  of  war.  He  held  this  position  until  the  organization  of 
the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment.  He  was  com 
missioned  captain  of  B  Company,  and  was  promoted  to  be 
major  and  lieutenant-colonel  in  1863.  He  served  with  and 


HARRISON  CLARK.  2OI 

shared  the  fortunes  of  the  regiment  until  that  fatal  shot  in 
the  Wilderness.  The  writer  knelt  at  the  wounded  man's 
side  and  took  his  words  of  affection  for  his  wife  and  home 
friends.  When  the  really  dying  man  asked  if  he  had  not 
done  his  duty  bravely,  there  could  be  only  one  response  ;  and 
ere  he  was  sent  to  the  rear,  the  voice  of  prayer  was  uplifted, 
at  his  request,  above  his  prostrate  head.  He  died  on  the 
8th,  and  his  mangled  body  was  buried  near  the  Chancellors- 
ville  House,  and,  afterwards,  was  disinterred  and  removed  to 
Troy,  New  York.  Just  before  he  was  shot  he  bound  up  the 


LIEUTENANT  HARRISON  CLARK. 


shattered  limb  of  another  brave  man.  Color-Sergeant  Harri 
son  Clark  had  carried  the  flag  within  ten  feet  of  the  rebel 
line,  when,  in  a  few  moments,  his  leg  was  pierced  by  a  bullet. 
He  walked  back  about  four  rods  and  then  fell.  Colonel 
Myer  seeing  him  fall,  came  over  to  him,  bound  up  the  wound 
and  promoted  him  to  a  lieutenantcy  on  the  field.  He  was 
conveyed  to  the  rear;  and  afterwards  to  the  hospital  in  Alex 
andria,  Virginia.  He  suffered  three  amputations  of  the 
wounded  leg  within  a  year,  and  was  kept  in  hospital  a  year 
and  a  half.  He  was  commissioned  lieutenant.  After  the 


2O2       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FJFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VULS. 

war  he  was  for  five  years  superintendent  of  the  Bureau  of  Mil 
itary  Statistics  at  the  new  Capitol,  Albany,  New  York.  In 
more  recent  years  he  has  been  commander  of  a  Grand  Army 
Post;  and,  in  his  business,  a  dealer  in  furniture.  The  flag 
borne  by  his  hands  was  torn  by  fifteen  bullets  at  Gettys 
burg,  and  it  came  forth  from  the  Wilderness  marked  with 
many  more  honorable  scars.  Philip  Brady  of  I  Company 
grasped  the  flag  as  Sergeant  Clark  fell,  and  he  was  soon 
stricken  dead  with  the  colors  in  his  hand.  Corporal  Charles 
S.  Davis  next  seized  them,  and  carried  them  in  honor  to  the 
close  of  the  battle. 

A  worse  fate  than  wounds  threatened  Sergeant  Clark  in 
the  Wilderness.  Men  who  were  directed  to  carry  him  to  the 
rear  left  him,  to  join  in  the  fight;  and  now  another  enemy 
was  approaching.  The  dreadful  flames,  kindled  by  the  fire 
of  battle,  were  sweeping  towards  him.  When  only  a  few  feet 
from  him  he  was  rescued  by  some  comrades.  But  the  flames 
of  that  dread  conflagration  wrapped  others  in  their  fiery  folds. 
Others  of  our  bravest  men  had  gone  down  with  wounds  and 
in  death.  Opposite  their  names  in  the  roster  is  recorded  the 
fact  of  their  wounds  and  mortality.  Among  the  number 
were  Sergeant  Jesse  T.  Dunham  of  A  Company,  and  Ser 
geant  Charles  R.  German  of  D  Company.  The  writer  has 
.always  thought  that  the  former  would  have  made  a  most 
efficient  chaplain ;  and  of  the  latter,  as  a  faithful  soldier  and 
a  devoted  Christian,  naught  can  be  said  too  commendably. 
He  was  zealous  as  a  Christian  before  the  war  ;  he  was  true 
during  his  army  life.  At  one  of  the  meetings  in  the  log 
chapel  near  Stevensburg  a  hymn  had  been  sung  containing 
the  verse, 

"  Perhaps  He  will  admit  my  plea, 
Perhaps  will  hear  my  prayer ; 
But  if  I  perish,  I  will  pray, 
And  perish  only  there." 

After  the  meeting,  he  asked  of  the  writer:  "  Did  you  notice 
a  mistake  in  that  hymn?"  The  reply  was,  "  No."  He  then 
said:  "It  reads  'perhaps'  He  will  admit  my  plea.  There  is 


FRED.  A.  MOREY.  203 

no  'perhaps 'in  it:  it  is  a  certainty."  Was  he  still  living, 
though  helpless  on  the  ground  with  his  wound — or  was  he 
dead  when  the  fire  burned  in  the  woods?  We  know  not; 
but  the  flames  enveloped  his  body,  and,  as  in  a  chariot  of 
fire,  he  ascended  to  the  land  where  it  is  most  manifest  that 
the  Gospel  of  the  Son  of  Man  and  of  God  is  a  sublime  and  a 
divine  certainty. 

Another  brave  officer  was  wounded  in  the  battle  of  the 
Wilderness.  He  was  one  of  the  most  modest,  one  of  the 
bravest,  and  one  of  the  most  faithful  of  all  our  officers — Cap 
tain  Fred.  A.  Morey.  We  cannot  forbear  mentioning  his 


CAPTAIN  FRED.   A.   MOREY. 


devoted  service;  as  enlisted  man,  as  hospital  steward,  and  as 
commissioned  officer.  His  wounds  were  so  severe  as  to  com 
pel  his  resignation  in  the  October  following  the  battle.  We 
would  gladly  say  more  of  him  if  data  were  at  hand. 

On  the  evening  of  May  6th,  we  stood  behind  the  earth 
works  lining  the  Brock  road,  expecting  an  assault  from  the 
rebel  line.  There  had  been  a  failure  to  connect  on  the  left 
of  our  line,  and  the  troops  to  our  front  had  been  forced  back 
by  Longstreet's  flanking  force.  Had  the  rebel  charge  been 
made,  as  contemplated,  against  our  position  that  Friday 
night,  a  most  disastrous  rout  would  have  been  inflicted  upon 


204     ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

the  assailants.  Longstreet's  wound,  which  prevented  the 
charge,  saved  many  Confederates  from  suffering.  The  wri 
ter  remembers  a  question  asked  in  the  darkness  of  that  night. 
It  was  this:  " After  this  day,  what  next?"  The  answer  by 
an  officer  was,  "  Back  to  the  other  side  of  the  Rapidan." 
But — General  Grant  was  at  the  head. 

We  again  took  up  the  line  of  march  on  the  morning  of  the 
8th  of  May.  We  moved  to  Todd's  Tavern,  a  few  miles  dis 
tant,  to  the  right  of  which  we  were  placed  in  line  within 
some  woods,  and  were  called  upon  to  build  earthworks. 
This  kind  of  service  had  become  a  regular  feature  of  the  cam 
paign  on  both  sides,  especially  on  the  rebel  side. 

An  order  was  read  to  us  on  the  morning  of  the  9th,  that 
the  day  was  to  be  observed  as  a  "  day  of  rest."  But,  soon 
after,  came  another  order  bidding  us  to  "fall  in";  and  we 
were  moved  out  of  the  woods  and  a  short  distance  to  the 
left.  We  here  rested  until  shortly  after  noon,  when  we 
moved  forward.  During  the  afternoon  we  were  under  fire 
while  supporting  Arnold's  Battery.  Towards  evening  we 
crossed  Po  river  and  marched  until  about  midnight.  On  the 
morning  of  the  loth  we  were  hurried  backwards  and  for 
wards  in  rear  of  a  battery.  At  about  one  o'clock  we  were 
marched  down  through  some  woods,  and,  after  repeatedly 
forming  line,  were  drawn  up  in  battle  array  in  the  edge  of 
woods  facing  an  open  field.  Some  rails  had  been  hastily 
thrown  up,  immediately  in  rear  of  where  our  regiment  found 
itself.  As  the  rebels  were  heard  rushing  with  wild  cries 
through  the  woods  beyond  the  open  field,  our  men  took 
their  place  behind  the  rude  breastworks.  When  the  rebels 
reached  the  edge  of  the  woods  which  they  were  occupying, 
they  fell  to  the  ground,  and  firing  began.  To  the  left  of  us 
was  a  Pennsylvania  regiment.  The  writer  recalls  well  the 
brave  voice  of  an  officer  detailing  men  for  skirmishers.  It 
was  a  needless  order,  now  that  the  battle  was  joined.  But 
bravely  did  the  men  respond  ;  and  they  started  across  that 
field.  And  through  the  smoke  of  battle  they  could  be  seen 
as  they  fell — a  line  of  them — to  rise  not  again. 


PO  RIVER.  205 

Our  regiment  in  its  position  fought  fully  an  hour.  We  re 
mained  here  after  the  line  directly  to  our  left  had  broken,  and 
partly  rallied,  and  had  broken  again.  We  remained  until  the 
woods  to  our  left  took  fire,  the  fire  sweeping  towards  us. 
We  remained  until  orders  came  to  us  to  "  fall  back."  As 
the  regiment  was  falling  back,  Arnold's  Battery  became  en 
tangled  in  the  thick  brush.  D  Company  of  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Twenty-fifth  placed  itself  in  front  of  the  battery, 
and  defended  it  until  all  but  one  piece,  which  had  been  hope 
lessly  fastened  between  two  trees,  were  removed.  At  this 
time  Captain  John  Quay,  of  D  Company,  was  severely 
wounded.  Of  him  farther  record  will  be  found  in  this  his 
tory.  Among  the  mortally  wounded  was  Corporal  Albert 
Smith,  of  C  Company,  a  tried  and  true  soldier,  a  choice 
young  man  and  a  Christian.  George  W.  Sweet,  of  I  Com 
pany  received  a  severe  and  almost  fatal  wound.  He  was 
shot  in  the  right  side,  the  ball  passing  through  the  centre  of 
the  back.  After  a  weary  tramp  of  three  miles,  he  found  an 
ambulance  and  was  conveyed  from  field  hospital  to  Washing 
ton.  His  wound  was  such,  that,  although  as  he  recovered 
he  sought  to  return  again  to  duty  at  the  front,  the  medical 
authorities  would  not  consent. 

That  flank  fight  across  Po  river  was  made  with  the  pur 
pose  of  effecting  an  orderly  retirement  to  join  the  main  army, 
as  the  plan  of  turning  Lee's  left  had  been  abandoned.  It 
was  a  spirited  engagement  by  our  division.  It  marked  the 
second  stage  of  the  general  campaign,  as  the  Wilderness  was 
its  first  part. 

The  next  blow  was  one  of  the  hardest  of  all  the  campaign, 
and  of  all  the  war.  Wednesday,  the  I  ith  of  May,  was  a  day 
chiefly  of  skirmishing  and  artillery  firing.  Both  armies  were 
busied  throwing  up  earthworks.  At  night,  a  detail  was 
made  that  marched  to  some  flats  or  meadows  at  the  front, 
where  large  fires  were  built  to  mislead  the  enemy.  Then 
came  an  all  night  march  through  the  woods  and  in  the  dark. 
It  was  slow  progress  and  difficult  marching.  That  night  has 
connected  with  it  one  of  those  remembrances  which  serve 


206       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  YOLS. 

to  relieve  somewhat  the  soberness  of  war  memories.  A 
corral  of  mules  broke  loose  and  charged  upon  the  Garibaldis. 
That  regiment  broke  and  came  dashing  into  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Twenty-fifth.  The  onset  was  almost  irresistible. 
There  was  likely  to  have  been  a  stampede ;  but  the  cause 
being  understood  the  men  earned  a  good  laugh. 

But  the  morning  brought  the  charge  of  men.  Our  corps 
was  led  as  near  as  possible  to  the  enemy's  works — with  some 
uncertainty  as  to  the  trend  of  these — near  the  works  at  "  the 


SI'OTTSYLVANIA. 


salient "  of  their  line — near  the  point  of  their  wedge-shaped 
works — near  "the  bloody  angle."  Just  as  the  first  flush 
of  morning  appeared,  the  men  were  formed  in  column, 
brought  to  "  half-distance,"  and  closed  en  masse  (General 
Grant's  favorite  formation  for  charging) ;  and  at  the  word 
"  forward,"  forward  they  moved.  More  fortunate  had  it  been 
if  they  had  been  commanded  to  move  silently,  with  no  war- 
cry  on  their  lips.  But  that  was  not  the  wont  of  charging 
lines  or  columns.  The  cry  of  the  charge  soon  aroused  the 


BLOODY  ANGLE.  2O/ 

sleeping  foe.  As  it  was,  so  quickly  was  the  move  made  and 
so  manifestly  a  surprise  was  it,  that  our  men  were  soon  over 
the  first  line  of  the  enemy's  works,  and  captured  Johnson's 
division  of  three  thousand  men  including  the  commander. 
Some  of  the  rebels  were  yet  rubbing  their  eyes  at  awaking 
from  sleep  when  they  were  made  prisoners.  The  prisoners 
were  hurried  to  the  rear.  And  now  came  the  "  tug  of  war." 
The  second  rebel  line  is  aroused,  and  the  battle  of  Spottsyl- 
vania  took  on  its  most  bloody  form.  "  Charge  !  " — but  the 
second  line  is  firmly  held.  And  between  the  two  lines,  and 


BLOODY   ANGLE. 


at  the  second  line — and  now  at  the  first,  the  battle  rages. 
How  the  men  drop !  Captain  E.  P.  Jones,  commanding  our 
regiment  in  this  charge,  is  dead.  Lieutenant  Charles  E. 
Cleminshaw  is  dead.  Lieutenant  E.  S.  P.  Clapp  has  fallen, 
pierced  by  bullet  through  the  leg.  The  color-bearer,  Charles 
Davis  is  wounded.  Lieutenant  E.  N.  Barnes  is  shot.  Wil- 
lard  D.  Green,  Sergeant  Stephen  Bates,  Charles  E.  Sweet, 
Levi  Wager,  Isaac  Lee  and  many  others  are  disabled — all 
brave  men  and  true,  each  of  whom  is  worthy  of  extended 


208       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

notice.  Through  the  hours  how  they  fight — one  side  and 
the  other.  General  Lee  is  determined  to  retake  that  lost 
line ;  and  the  Union  soldiers  are  equally  determined  not  to 
yield  it.  The  men  are  on  either  side  of  it ;  and  raise  their 
muskets  and  fire  over  it  and  down  on  the  other  side.  At 
last,  the  rebels  give  way,  and  the  Union  men  retain  posses 
sion  of  that  dearly,  bloody  bought  line  of  earth  ;  whose 
possession  meant  a  form  of  victory,  but  not  the  victory 
sought.  For  the  second  rebel  line  now  stretched  from  side 
to  side  of  the  wedge,  leaving  only  the  salient  in  our  hands. 
The  rebel  main  line  was  not  thoroughly  pierced.  The 
"  hammer"  was  striking  its  great  sledge  blows.  It  was  bruis 
ing  and  it  was  being  bruised.  Which  could  better  endure 
the  striking  was  the  point  at  issue :  which  should  wear  out 
first  would  determine  the  war. 

Of  Lieutenant  E.  N.  Barnes  a  fuller  record  occurs  later. 
Wounded  officers  and  men  were  taken  to  the  rear.  The 
surgeon's  knife  was  in  demand,  and  well  had  it  been  if  even 
then  the  sufferers  could  have  remained  quietly  in  care  of 
skilled  nurses.  But  the  wounded  must  be  taken  miles  to 
the  rear.  And  the  ambulances,  heavily  laden,  must  move  at 
times  over  rough  ground,  and  drivers  were  not  always  careful. 
Thus  it  came  to  pass  that  what  the  shock  of  wounds  and  the 
loss  of  blood  and  the  weakness  resulting  from  amputation 
bad  not  done,  the  rough  ride  and  deprivation  at  the  front  of 
needed  care  accomplished — and  men  who  otherwise  might 
have  survived  their  wounds  died  from  the  after  experiences. 

Lieutenant  Clapp  was  one  of  this  number.  He  had  been 
promoted  as  the  result  of  an  examination.  He  was  a  mod 
est,  scholarly,  gentlemanly  man.  Young  and  brave,  he  was 
one  of  the  best  sacrifices  our  regiment  gave  to  our  country. 
Another,  who  fell  dead  between  the  two  lines  at  Spottsylva- 
nia  Court  House,  was  of  equal  worth — Lieutenant  Charles  E. 
Cleminshaw.  He  was  just  of  age  when  he  enlisted  in  B 
Company  of  our  regiment.  He  was  promoted  to  the  non 
commissioned  staff  as  quartermaster-sergeant;  and  just  be 
fore  the  regiment  left  Stevensburg,  he  received  his  commis- 


LIEUTENANT  CLAPP.  209 

sion  as  second  lieutenant.  There  was  but  one  opinion  of 
him  in  the  regiment.  He  was  universally  known  as  a  kind, 
genial,  courteous  young  man,  of  strictly  upright  character, 
giving  promise  of  a  noble  manhood.  He  was  ambitious  and 
unusually  hopeful.  He  had  marked  out  for  himself  a  career 
of  usefulness,  if  not  of  glory  ;  and  he  chose  release  from  a  po 
sition  which  would  have  exempted  him  largely  from  danger, 
for  a  place  in  the  van  of  the  struggle.  He  fell  in  his  chosen 
path  of  duty  and  of  danger.  The  writer  is  not  the  only  one 
who  retains  the  kindest  and  warmest  memories  of  this  truly 
noble  and  brave  young  soldier,  who  with  a  smile  on  his  beau- 


LIEUTENANT  E.   S.  P.  CLAPP. 

tiful  face  took  his  place  in  the  ranks  where  he  was  destined 
to  fall  in  death  for  his  country. 

Captain  E.  P.  Jones,  who  also  was  instantly  killed  in  that 
brave  charge,  may  have  had  his  failings.  He  may  have  un 
wisely  urged  against  the  judgment  of  his  superior  officers  his 
long  experience  as  a  soldier  previous  to  the  war;  and  may 
otherwise  have  crossed  the  rules  of  the  service.  But  the 
grave  dug  for  his  body  at  Spottsylvania  was  an  honorable 
grave  ;  and  his  death  was  deplored  by  those  who  knew  his 
real  worth  and  who  appreciated  his  soldierly  and  gentle- 


2IO       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

manly  bearing.  He  was  a  Welshman,  and  came  to  this  coun 
try  in  1845.  He  enlisted  as  a  private  at  Watervliet  Arsenal, 
West  Troy,  New  York.  He  was  by  occupation  a  blacksmith- 
But,  he  was  possessed  of  musical  abilities  in  a  large  degree. 
He  was  appointed  leader  of  a  band  at  the  arsenal.  This 
band  served  during  the  Mexican  war.  Discharged  from  the 
service,  he  made  his  home  in  Troy;  and  here  formed  a  band, 
composed  chiefly  of  the  arsenal  band,  and,  in  its  new  form  it 
was  justly  celebrated  as  the  "  Troy  Cornet  Band."  During 


LIEUTENANT  CHARLES  E.  CLEMINSHAW. 

the  war  as  a  body  it  became  connected  with  the  Second 
Regiment  New  York  Volunteers.  Captain  Jones  recruited 
I  Company  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth,  his  old 
band  passing  into  the  hands  of  Charles  Doring,  who  at  the 
date  of  these  pages  still  leads  one  of  the  best  musical  organ 
izations  in  the  country. 

In  the  engagement  of  May  I2th,  Michael  Burke,  of  D  Com 
pany,  captured  a  battle-flag,  and  received  in  his  brave  act  a 
bullet  which  cut  through  his  breast.  Between  fifty  and  sixty 


SPOTTSYLVANIA.  211 

of  our  officers  and  men  fell  in  the  fierce  strife  at  the  bloody 
angle.  Nothing  of  special  interest  occurred  again  in  connec 
tion  with  the  regiment  until  the  night  of  the  i/th,  when  we 
were  again  moved  with  our  Corps  towards  the  rebel  position. 
Again  just  at  break  of  day  the  men  were  formed  in  column 
by  division  and  closed  en  masse.  Again  the  sledge-hammer 
was  to  be  swung — the  thunderbolt  hurled.  About  five 
o'clock  on  the  morning  of  Wednesday,  May  i8th,  we  were  in 
readiness  behind  the  works  captured  on  the  I2th,  and  "For- 


CAPTAIN  EDWARD  P.  JONES. 

ward,  Charge !"  sounded  forth.  Scarcely  had  the  men 
crossed  the  works  when  the  rebel  artillery  opened,  and  the 
shot  cut  through  the  dense  mass  of  men.  The  enemy  knew 
of  our  coming  and  were  ready.  But  despite  a  withering  fire 
the  men  pressed  to  a  victory.  The  works  were  captured. 
Of  this  the  writer  personally  knows  ;  and  makes  the  distinct 
record,  inasmuch  as  a  contrary  statement  has  appeared  from 
the  other  side.  He  was  at  the  captured  works.  He  heard, 
moreover,  General  Francis  C.  Barlow  express  satisfaction  at 
the  result.  But  the  victory  was  only  temporary.  After  two 


212       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

hours,  the  line  to  our  left  gave  way  and  our  men  were  or 
dered  to  "  fall  back."  In  the  charge  we  passed  the  bloated 
dead  bodies  of  rebel  soldiers  that  had  remained  unburied  for 
a  week.  The  regiment  came  back  from  the  captured  line 
over  a  score  of  men  weaker  than  when  it  advanced.  An 
other  stage  of  our  part  in  the  campaign  was  concluded  ;  and 
our  regiment  was  smaller  by  150  men  than  when  it  crossed 
the  Rapidan. 

Now  followed  another  of  General  Grant's  flanking  move 
ments.  If  the  purpose  to  crush  Lee's  army  had  not  been 
realized  ;  and,  if  events  unlocked  for  prevented  the  placing 
of  the  Union  army  between  Lee  and  Richmond,  neverthe 
less  the  army  was  advancing.  We  left  our  position  near 
Spottsylvania  Court  House  about  ten  o'clock  on  the  night  of 
the  2Oth  of  May,  and  marched  all  night,  continuing  the 
quick  movement,  with  only  one  brief  rest,  early  in  the  morn 
ing,  until  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  The  men  under 
stood  that  an  important  point  was  to  be  sought,  and  they 
were  full  of  good  cheer.  Never  did  they  march  with  so  lit 
tle  complaining  and  so  little  straggling.  We  passed  through 
Bowling  Green  on  the  2ist,  and  bivouacked  south  of  Milford 
Station,  on  the  line  of  the  Richmond  and  Fredericksburg 
railroad.  Here  some  very  strong  earthworks  were  thrown 
up.  It  was  an  all-night  job.  The  ceaseless  marching  by 
day,  and  sometimes  by  night,  the  digging  and  the  righting 
were  telling  upon  our  men,  in  some  cases  almost  as  seriously 
as  wounds.  One  of  the  noble  men  said  to  the  writer:  "O 
Chaplain,  it  is  killing  me."  It  did  kill  him,  and  more  than 
one. 

We  reached  North  Anna  River  on  the  afternoon  of  the 
23d.  Some  of  our  troops  were  already  across  the  river. 
While  we  were  halted,  Birney's  Division  was  hard  at  work, 
and  the  rattle  of  the  musketry  was  fierce.  We  crossed  the 
river  on  the  morning  of  the  24th,  the  rebels  having  been 
partly  forced  back  and  in  part  retiring  voluntarily.  But 
they  were  in  good  position  behind  strong  works.  They  were 
in  readiness  to  stand  on  the  defensive.  It  was  thus  for  the 


NORTH  ANNA. 


2I3 


most  part  that  they  fought  in  all  the  campaign.  One  man 
behind  good  works  was  equal  to  nearly  six  men  charging. 
We  were  charging;  and  our  side  was  losing  the  larger  num 
ber.  The  rebel  flags  were  planted  along  their  works,  and 
the  stars  and  stripes  floated  over  our  heads.  Cannon-ball, 
shell  and  the  bullet  continued  their  work ;  but  the  purpose 
of  the  move  having  failed,  there  was  no  farther  charging  at 
this  point. 

On  the  26th  a  welcome  event  transpired,  in  the  return  to 
the  regiment  of  our  colonel,  Levin  Crandell,  and  the  officers 
who  with  him  had  been  absent  on  recruiting  service.  They 


MAP  OF  NORTH  ANNA. 


had  brought  to  the  front  about  1,000  recruits  to  be  distri 
buted  in  different  commands  and  they  had  been  delayed  in 
joining  us.  With  Colonel  Crandell  were  Major  Joseph  Hyde, 
Captains  Thomas  F.  Sheldon  and  L.  H.  Crandell,  Lieuten 
ants  Lee  Churchill  and  Egbert  Hull,  and  one  officer  new  to 
our  regiment,  but  not  new  to  the  service,  Lieutenant  Joseph 
Egolf.  The  coming  of  these  officers  met  a  sore  need ;  for 
only  four  commissioned  officers  remained  with  the  regiment. 
In  addition  to  those  who  had  fallen  on  the  field,  five  had 
been  sent,  more  or  less  disabled,  to  Washington.  Captain 
L.  H.  Crandell,  although  returning  to  his  post,  was  in  a  con- 


214      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

dition  unfit  for  service.  He  was  afflicted  with  bleeding  of 
the  lungs,  and  was  compelled  soon  to  withdraw  from  the 
front,  and  was  unable  to  do  farther  duty.  He  was  a  merito 
rious  officer  and  man,  and  his  going  from  us  was  a  loss  to  the 
regiment. 

On  the  night  of  the  26th  our  troops  were  withdrawn  from 
their  position,  recrossing  the  river;  and,  on  the  morning  of 
the  27th,  again  took  up  the  line  of  march  by  the  left  on  a 


CAPTAIN  LEWIS  H.  CRANUELL. 

renewed  flanking  movement — the  third  general  movement 
of  the  kind  in  the  campaign.  We  marched  very  rapidly, 
crossing  the  Pamunkey  River  about  half-past  one  on  the 
afternoon  of  the  28th.  Firing  was  going  on  in  our  front. 
We  were  placed  in  line  of  battle  and  began  at  once  to  build 
earthworks. 

We  moved  forward  on  the  Richmond  road  about  half-past 
ten  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the   29th.     On  either  side  of 


COLD  HAIUJOR. 


21  ; 


the  road  were  dead  Union  and  rebel  soldiers  yet  unburied. 
Other  marks  were  seen  of  the  fighting  of  the  previous  day. 
When  near  the  Totopotomoy  our  regiment  was  sent  on  a 
road  to  the  left,  to  guard  the  left  flank  of  our  division  until 
the  remainder  of  the  Corps  should  arrive.  We  here  lost  two 
men  on  the  skirmish-line.  We  occupied  at  this  place  differ 
ent  positions.  At  times  we  were  in  line  behind  the  earth 
works,  and,  again  we  were  serving  as  skirmishers. 


COI.I)  HARBOR. 

On  the  night  of  June  1st  the  bands  were  brought  near  the 
earthworks  and  favored  the  rebels  with  some  music.  While 
these  were  enjoying  the  serenade  the  Union  line  withdrew 
and  moved  to  the  left,  reaching  Cold  Harbor  on  the  morn 
ing  of  the  2d.  Colonel  Crandell  had  remained  in  charge  of 
the  division  pickets  who  formed  a  rear  guard.  He  found 
considerable  difficulty  in  withdrawing  in  safety  the  picket- 
lines.  But  he  led  the  men  safely  to  the  main  body  of  troops, 
arriving  at  the  regiment  on  the  evening  of  the  2d. 


2l6       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  V.  S.  VOLS. 

The  new  flanking  movement  was  consummated,  and  we 
were  now  in  the  vicinity  of  the  operations  under  McClellan 
in  1862.  We  were  assigned  a  position  on  the  left  of  the  line. 
As  the  men  of  our  regiment  were  lying  on  the  ground  in 
their  new  position,  in  some  pine  woods,  a  rebel  shot  from  a 
battery  to  our  front  came  unpleasantly  near.  As  an  assault 
was  expected  the  men  were  ordered  into  line,  and  had 
scarcely  arisen,  when  another  shot  came,  instantly  killing 
Harvey  Clum  and  George  Manchester.  We  were  located  in 
the  second  line  of  works  at  Cold  Harbor,  doing  in  part  picket 
duty,  and  were  in  none  of  the  charges  which  made  that  place 
one  of  the  most  bloody  of  all  the  battle-grounds  of  the 


BATTLE  OF  COLD  HARBOR. 


lengthening  campaign.  The  line  of  Union  works  imme 
diately  in  advance  of  us  was  near  the  foot  of  a  hill,  and  the 
rebel  line  was  part  way  up  the  hill.  They  were  separated  by 
a  distance  of  only  a  few  rods  so  that  it  was  fatal  for  any 
man  to  show  his  head  above  the  works,  and  many  men  were 
shot  at  this  part  of  the  line — almost  all  in  the  head. 

On  our  arrival  at  Cold  Harbor  we  learned  of  the  nearness 
to  us  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Sixty-ninth  Regiment,  which 
was  recruited  in  Troy,  New  York,  immediately  after  our 
regiment  was  mustered  into  the  service.  That  regiment,  to 
which  we  were  so  closely  allied,  had  just  been  in  action,  and 
its  brave  colonel,  McConihe,  had  fallen.  The  word  made  a 
sorrowful  impression  upon  our  men. 


COLD  HARBOR.  2 1/ 

What  a  dreadful  harvest  had  been  cut  by  the  bloody  scythe 
from  the  Rapidan  to  Cold  Harbor!  In  the  Wilderness, 
from  the  5th  to  the  7th  of  May,  2,261  Union  soldiers  were 
killed  ;  8,785  wounded  ;  and  2,902  were  missing — some  of 
these  last  among  the  forever  missing.  At  Spottsylvania, 
including  Po  River,  from  the  8th  to  the  2ist,  our  army  num 
bered  2, 271  dead  ;  9,360  wounded  ;  1,9/0  missing.  At  North 
Anna,  from  the  23d  to  the  27th,  we  lost  186  killed,  792 
wounded  and  165  missing.  At  the  Totopotomoy,  from  May 
27th  to  the  3 1st,  99  were  killed,  358  wounded,  and  52  were 
missing.  And,  in  the  repeated  charges  at  Cold  Harbor,  and 
in  the  almost  constant  firing,  continuing  from  May  3ist  to 
June  I2th,  our  loss  ran  up  to  1,769  killed  ;  6,752  wounded  ; 
and  1,537  missing.  The  dreadful  aggregate  is  39,289 — an 
army  by  itself.  Yet  not  so  great  were  the  casualties  as  the 
losses  in  battle  and  by  disease  of  the  Peninsular  Campaign. 
Doubtless  mistakes  were  made.  General  Grant  frankly  ad 
mits  that  the  bloody,  fruitless  charge  of  June  3d  ought  not 
to  have  been  made.  But  he  was  bent  on  closing  the  war. 
What  the  rebel  loss  was  it  is  more  difficult  to  determine. 
It  could  not  be  otherwise  than  that  it  should  be  much  less 
than  on  the  Union  side  ;  for  they  fought — as  already  de 
clared — with  scarcely  an  exception,  on  the  defensive,  and  from 
behind  earthworks.  But  they  could  much  less  afford  to  lose 
a  man  than  could  the  Northern  army.  At  a  low  and  imper 
fect  account  their  army  lost  in  the  campaign  thus  far  25,000 
men. 

The  writter  saw  General  Grant  and  the  generals  whom  he 
assembled  in  Council  of  War  on  the  2d  of  June,  after  some 
of  the  hard  fighting  had  been  done  and  before  that  fearful 
charge  on  the  morning  of  the  3d,  when  our  men  were  cut 
down  helplessly  in  a  swamp  and  in  a  deserted  angle  of  the 
rebel  works.  However  good  was  the  plan  of  assault,  on  the 
night  preceding  its  delivery  a  new  and  more  favorable  rebel 
line  of  works  had  been  constructed  which  placed,  when  the 
charge  was  made,  our  men  in  a  helpless  position.  Then,  at 
another  part  of  the  line,  when  the  rebel  position  had  been 


218       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

carried,  the  supporting  line  was  kept  from  moving.  The 
commanding  officer  could  be  dismissed,  but  that  was  poor 
satisfaction  for  defeat  due  to  his  folly. 

On  Sunday,  June  5th,  a  flag  of  truce  was  sent  by  General 
Grant  to  General  Lee  to  arrange  for  a  respite  to  bury  the 
dead  and  remove  the  wounded  lying  uncovered  or  dying 
between  the  two  lines,  some  of  them  wounded  repeatedly 
after  they  were  first  stricken  down.  It  was  difficult  to  get  a 
flag  through  the  lines.  The  officers  from  headquarters  came 
to  the  left  where  were  our  brigade  pickets.  Lieutenant 
Egbert  B.  Hull  was  one  of  the  officers  in  charge.  After 
repeatedly  calling  to  the  rebel  pickets,  behind  earthworks, 
and  asking  whether  an  officer  was  present,  and,  receiving  no 
reply  whatever,  Lieutenant  Hull  stepped  over  our  works.  A 
number  of  rifles  were  at  once  leveled  at  him.  But  he  boldly 
demanded  that  an  officer  be  summoned.  After  some  delay, 
an  officer  was  brought  to  the  place,  and  General  Grant's 
message  was  forwarded.  But  forty-eight  dreadful  hours 
passed  ere  an  arrangement  was  consummated. 

At  six  o'clock  on  the  evening  of  the  7th,  the  white  flags 
along  either  line  told  that  rifle  and  cannon  were  to  be  silent. 
Then  passed  forth  those  appointed  to  bear  away  any  of  the 
wounded  who  had  been  lying  unrelieved  from  the  morning 
of  the  3d,  and  to  bury  the  decaying  bodies  of  the  dead.  In 
the  two  hours — from  six  to  eight  o'clock — of  that  summer 
evening  the  Union  and  Confederate  soldiers  mingled  freely 
between  the  lines.  Under  the  flag  of  truce  friendliness 
instead  of  enmity  appeared,  and  a  brief  token  was  given  of 
the  peace  of  "  God's  truce"  when  the  white  banner  of  Calvary 
shall  float  perpetually  along  the  line  of  human  history. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

PETERSBURG — DEEP   BOTTOM — STRAWBERRY  PLAINS. 

TN  nothing  did  General  Grant  more  fully  display  his  genius 
•*•  than  in  changing  his  plans  to  meet  new  conditions  ;  and, 
when  one  thing  failed,  in  being  quick  to  strike  in  another 
direction.  His  purpose  to  approach  Richmond  from  the 
north  and  to  the  west  had  not  succeeded.  He  was  soon 
ready  to  move  on  another  line.  If  his  directions  had  now 
been  fully  and  strictly  carried  out  by  subordinate  officers,  his. 
new  move,  according  to  all  indications,  would  have  changed 
the  whole  face  of  the  war;  and  would  either  have  forced  Lee 
south  of  Richmond  or  destroyed  the  rebel  army. 

The  losses  of  the  campaign  had  been  largely  repaired  by 
recruits  received.  Yet  the  new  recruits  were  recruits ;  and 
40,000  of  these  could  not  well  fill  the  place  of  as  many  vet 
erans.  General  Lee  had  been  reinforced  by  nearly  the  num 
ber  that  had  come  to  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  But  Gen 
eral  Lee  was  using  the  reserve  force  of  the  South.  The  men 
from  the  North,  so  far  as  numbers  were  concerned,  were 
scarcely  missed.  All  lines  of  business  were  thriving.  Mul 
tiplying  factories  were  humming  night  and  day.  Money 
was  abundant.  The  hard  times  were  at  the  front,  and  in 
desolated  homes  where  the  vacant  places  were  noticed  and 
were  bedewed  with  the  tears  of  affectionate  kindred.  As  the 
week  progressed,  after  the  evening  ,when  the  dead  were 
buried,  a  very  heavy  line  of  earthworks  was  built  in  rear  of 
the  one  we  occupied.  It  constituted  a  third  line.  The  work 
of  building  this  new  line  could  be  plainly  seen  by  the  rebels. 
The  indications  were  that  hostilities  were  to  be  continued  at 


220       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

this  point.  The  rebels  were  deceived.  In  the  last  cam 
paign  of  the  war,  among  rebel  papers  picked  up  by  the 
writer  on  the  march,  was  an  order  published  at  Cold  Harbor, 
that  called  attention  to  the  manifest  design  on  the  part  of 
the  Union  army  to  make  another  charge.  The  rebel  troops 
were  ordered  to  fire  low,  and  were  reminded  that  a  wounded 
man  required  more  attention  than  a  dead  man.  But,  the 
building  of  that  additional  line  of  works  was  the  Mine  Run 
ruse  repeated.  A  like  thing  was  done  at  this  latter  place  the 
day  at  whose  close  the  army  fell  back.  Now,  however,  no 
thought  of  falling  back  was  entertained  ;  but  another  and 
fourth  flank  move  was  planned. 

On  Sunday  night  of  June  I2th,  the  army  began  to  move 
out  of  our  works.  We  started  about  eight  o'clock,  and  by 
morning  the  entire  army  was  well  on  the  road  towards  the 
James.  It  was  a  marvel  of  a  move.  Right  from  under  the 
faces  of  the  enemy,  at  one  point  only  a  few  yards  distant, 
passed  out  our  troops.  Only  about  a  hundred  stragglers 
from  the  entire  army  were  captured  by  the  enemy.  After 
marching  all  night  we  rested  about  two  hours.  We  then  set 
out  anew,  and  crossed  the  Chickahominy  about  ten  o'clock, 
and  reached  Charles  City  Court  House  at  five  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon.  We  remained  here  during  the  Hth,  throwing  up, 
as  usual,  earthworks.  At  one  time  in  the  war  the  spade  was 
predominant.  At  another,  the  rifle  was  held  to  and  the 
spade  neglected.  Experience  taught  the  lesson,  that  the 
spade  and  the  rifle  were  close  allies. 

At  three  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  I2th,  we  took 
transports  at  Wilcox's  Landing  and  crossed  the  James  river 
to  Windmill  Point.  We  moved  at  noon  and  marched  un 
til  midnight.  That  halt  was  one  of  the  misfortunes  of  the 
events  in  progress.  It  was  made  under  a  mistaken  concep 
tion  of  an  order.  It  was  made  for  rations,  but  these  were 
not  received.  Hours  were  precious.  Even  when  the  march 
was  resumed,  a  wrong  road  was  taken,  and  a  counter-march 
was  made  necessary.  A  three  hours'  rest  after  midnight  of 
the  1 5th  was  followed  by  a  march  which  brought  us  in  front 


DEFENSES  AT  PETERSBURG. 


222       ONE  HUNDRED  AND   TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

of  Petersburg.  On  the  road,  the  day  before,  we  were  met 
by  some  rebel  prisoners,  comprising  some  able-bodied  men 
and  more  old  men  and  boys  captured  in  a  fort  in  the  out 
works  of  the  city.  About  three  miles  east  of  Petersburg  was 
a  series  of  redans,  with  connecting  works,  on  good  ground 
for  the  defense  of  the  city.  General  Grant  had  intended  the 
capture  of  these  fortifications  by  General  \V.  F.  Smith.  He 
had  even  instructed  General  Butler,  if  practicable,  to  take 
possession  of  Petersburg.  He  ever  afterwards  thought  that 
General  Smith  might  have  taken  the  works,  planted  his 
troops  across  the  Weldon  and  the  South  Side  Railroads,  and 
occupied  the  city  itself.  At  the  time  of  General  Smith's  ap 
proach,  less  than  3,000  men  manned  the  redans.  But,  the 
opportunity  passed  ;  and  with  the  rebels  hurrying  into  the 
fortifications,  when  the  Second  Corps  came  on  the  ground, 
that  series  of  charges  wras  necessary  which  cost  so  largely  in 
men  and  formed  the  beginning  of  the  long  siege  of  Peters 
burg. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth,  with  our  division, 
was  on  the  left  of  the  line  during  the  i6th.  It  was  moved 
to  the  right  about  six  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  and  was 
assigned  a  place  in  the  first  line  of  the  brigade  which  was  at 
the  head  of  the  Corps ;  and  in  close  column  formation  the 
entire  Corps  was  hurled  against  the  rebel  works.  It  moved 
through  some  woods,  down  into  a  deep  ravine ;  up  a  hill,  and 
down  into  another  and  worse  ravine,  and  up  another  hill 
on  Shand's  farm.  The  rebels  opened  fire  on  our  men  as 
these  came  in  sight.  The  execution  was  fearful.  The 
proportion  of  loss  in  killed  was  greater  than  in  any  bat 
tle  in  which  the  regiment  ever  took  part.  Over  one-third 
of  those  who  fell  were  killed — fourteen  out  of  forty-four. 
Color-Sergeant  A.  B.  Green,  a  noble  man  and  a  valiant  sol 
dier,  was  among  the  dead.  Colonel  Crandell,  who  was  in 
command  of  the  four  advance  regiments,  was  struck  in  the 
face  by  a  piece  of  shell.  Fortunately,  it  was  a  glancing 
stroke  and  not  a  direct  blow.  If  it  had  been  the  latter  he 
would  certainly  have  been  killed.  As  it  was,  ore  of  his  eyes 


LIEUTENANT  BRYAN.  223 

was  closed  by  the  quick  swelling  of  the  bruised  flesh. 

But,  two  more  of  our  noble  officers,  noble  in  every  true 
sense  of  the  term,  were  dead.  The  brave  Lieutenant  George 
A.  Bryan  was  struck  down  by  a  bullet.  A  group  of  officers 
were  standing  in  a  ravine  after  the  first  rush  of  the  charge 
was  over,  and  were  conversing,  when  a  company  of  rebels 
brought  a  cross-fire  to  bear  upon  our  men,  and  Lieutenant 
Bryan  fell.  He  lingered  about  a-half  hour  in  agony  and 
then  passed  from  earth. 

With  him  fell  another,  as  truly  brave  and  noble  as  any 
officer  or  man,  who  in  any  part  of  the  army,  or  in  any 


LIEUTENANT  GEORGE  A.    BRYAN. 


battle  of  the  war  gave  up  life  for  fatherland.  He  was  Lieu 
tenant  I.  De  Witt  Coleman.  Truly  wrote  of  him  one  who  in 
a  few  days  was  to  receive  his  own  death-wound — Lieutenant, 
now  Adjutant  of  the  regiment,  Merritt  Miller:  We  shall 
not  see  his  like  again.  He  was  unusually  beloved  by  officers 
and  men.  He  was  just  to  all,  very  conscientious,  and  a  pro 
found  Christian.  He  entered  into  this  struggle  because  he 
felt  it  to  be  his  duty,  and  all  his  conduct  while  connected 
with  the  regiment  was  based  upon  that  principle ;  and  he 
freely  gave  up  his  life  while  in  the  path  of  that  duty.  He 
valued  his  life  only  as  it  might  be  of  service  to  his  country 


224       DNE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  YOLS. 

and  his  God,  and  when  he  was  called  to  part  with  it  he  died 
without  a  murmur.  His  last  words  were :  "Boys,  all  is  well: 
put  your  trust  in  the  Lord." 

Among  those  who  served  their  country  during  the  Civil 
War,  none  were  actuated  by  a  loftier  patriotism  than  Lieu 
tenant  I.  De  Witt  Coleman.  He  was  the  youngest  son  of 
Rev.  I.  B.  and  Mrs.  Anna  Coleman  of  West  Stephentown, 
New  York,  who  served  the  Free  Baptist  church  of  that  place 
as  pastor  about  forty  years.  I.  De  Witt  Coleman  was  born 


LIEUTENANT  I.   DE  WITT  COLEMAN. 


in  West  Stephentown,  October  8th,  1837.  In  early  youth 
he  began  to  exhibit  sterling  qualities  of  a  high  order,  so  that 
his  teachers  said  he  was  the  best  scholar  that  ever  came  to 
them  to  a  district  school.  He  was  often  spoken  of  as  a  boy 
that  would  make  his  mark  some  day.  He  attended  school 
at  Fort  Edward  after  leaving  the  district  school,  and  then 
taught  school  for  a  number  of  winters,  gaining  an  honored 
reputation  as  a  teacher  of  marked  ability.  His  acquaintance 
was  sought  and  enjoyed,  by  old  and  young  of  all  classes,  and 


LIEUTENANT  COLEMAN.  225 

many  predicted  for  him  a  brilliant  future.  When  the  Civil 
War  broke  out,  his  patriotism  was  fully  aroused ;  and  when 
the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment  was  recruited, 
he  became  one  of  the  number.  He  was  chosen  orderly  ser 
geant  of  Company  E,  serving  in  that  capacity  until  he  was 
prostrated  by  sickness,  and  even  then  he  would  not  leave  his 
regiment.  His  father  came  to  see  him,  and  after  a  long  and 
tedious  search  found  him  at  the  front,  though  unable  to  sit 
up.  After  some  delay  he  came  home  with  his  father  to  re 
cruit  his  health.  He  remained  home  about  three  months. 
He  had  not  fully  recovered  his  health  when  he  said,  "  My 
country  needs  my  services  and  I  must  go  back."  Against 
the  advice  of  friends  and  the  protest  of  physicians  he  set  out 
for  the  seat  of  war.  He  was  promoted  for  efficiency  and 
bravery  to  second  and  then  to  first  lieutenant.  The  boys  in 
his  company  all  loved  and  idolized  him  for  his  kind  heart 
and  genial  bearing,  and  he  made  many  friends  throughout 
the  regiment.  The  last  time  he  was  home  on  furlough,  his 
mother  said  to  him,  "  If  your  time  of  enlistment  was  out 
now,  you  would  not  enlist  again,  would  you?"  He  said: 
"  Yes,  I  would,  mother." 

He  lived  only  a  few  hours  after  he  was  shot  and  was  buried 
the  same  evening  by  his  sorrowing  comrades.  Some  weeks 
later  his  remains  were  disinterred  and  brought  home,  where 
they  now  rest,  in  the"  burial  grounds  at  West  Stephentown. 
He  conversed  freely  of  his  situation  when  wounded,  said  he 
was  not  afraid  to  die,  and  departed  in  the  hope  of  immortal 
ity.  Of  him  it  may  be  truthfully  said,  he  never  shirked  any 
responsibility,  nor  faltered  in  the  hour  of  danger;  and  no 
purer  type  of  manhood,  or  more  patriotic  heart  was  ever  sac 
rificed  in  the  service  of  our  country.  The  following  notice 
appeared  at  the  time  in  a  Troy  paper : 

"  Sadly  are  hearts  impressed  with  the  truthfulness  of  the 
words,  '  Death  loves  a  shining  mark.'  A  brave  soldier  has 
fallen,  one  whose  death  is  deeply  lamented  by  friends  and 
acquaintances.  Highly  endowed  with  intellectual  faculties, 
a  moral  character,  accompanied  with  a  sweetness  of  disposi- 


226        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

tion  that  rendered  him  exceedingly  attractive,  a  favorite  in 
society,  he  won  the  love  and  admiration  of  all  who  knew  him. 
With  a  full  consciousness  of  the  condition  of  our  country,  a 
high  appreciation  of  the  blessings  of  a  free  government,  a 
deep  love  for  the  starry  banner  and  the  protection  of  the 
Unon,  he  left  home.  Brave,  determined,  resolute,  he  chose 
the  right,  and  was  never  known  to  waver  from  any  duty  he 
was  called  to  perform.  Always  at  his  post,  speaking  words 
of  cheerfulness  to  his  comrades,  he  won  the  goodwill  and  ad 
miration  of  his  superior  officers  and  soldiers.  Among  the 
brave  who  have  taken  an  active  part  in  crushing  out  this  re 
bellion,  and  distinguished  themselves  upon  the  field  of  action, 
there  was  none  more  worthy  of  honors.  Brave,  noble  Lieu 
tenant  Coleman  has  fallen,  gloriously  fallen  for  his  country. 
Sleep,  O  sleep,  brave  soldier.  Hearts  that  loved  thee  will 
greet  thee  no  more  ;  thou  art  gone  from  earth  forever,  trans 
planted  to  a  better,  higher,  holier  clime ;  thy  warfare  is 
ended,  the  God  of  battles  has  called  thee  home.  Rest,  loved 
one,  rest.  Thy  kind  words  and  noble  acts  are  graven  upon 
the  hearts  of  weeping  friends,  while  a  father,  mother,  and 
brother  mourn  thy  early  departure.  The  prayers,  efforts 
and  sacrifices  thou  hast  made  for  thy  country's  good  will 
long  be  remembered,  and  hearts  that  loved  thee  will  pray 
that  peace  may  be  restored,  and  the  star-spangled  banner 
thou  hast  loved  so  well,  will  ere  long,  be  floating  over  all  the 
sister  States,  uniting  them  again  by  one  tie,  proclaming 
friendship  and  liberty." 

On  the  I /th  our  regiment  was  sent  out  as  skirmishers,  oc 
cupying  one  of  the  rifle  pits  captured  from  the  enemy. 
While  in  this  position,  two  more  charges,  made  by  the  Ninth 
Corps,  could  be  seen.  The  first  was  made  in  the  early  part 
of  the  afternoon,  and  was  only  partially  successful.  The 
other  was  made  about  dusk,  and  was  a  complete  success. 
The  charge  was  made  just  to  the  right  of  our  position  ;  but, 
the  regiment  being  on  higher  ground,  the  action  was  in  plain 
sight.  The  massing  was  done  in  a  ravine  out  of  sight  of  the 
enemy.  When  the  preparations  were  completed,  the  word 


LIEUTENANT  CHURCHILL.  22/ 

"  Forward !"  rang  along  the  line.  The  dark  mass  then  moved 
along,  slowly  at  first ;  but  gradually  the  pace  was  quickened 
until  it  reached  the  brow  of  the  hill,  when,  with  a  deafening 
cheer  and  guns  at  a  "  charge,"  the  men  broke  into  the  dou 
ble  quick.  But  they  were  met  with  a  murderous  fire — such 
a  fire  as  seemed  impossible  to  withstand.  Solid  shot,  shell 
and  bullets  soon  wrought  great  havoc  in  the  column.  The 
men  broke,  and  then  reformed  ;  and  at  the  last  gained  the 
victory. 

Our  regiment  was  moved  to  the  right  on  the  night  of  the 
1 8th,  and  was  employed  all  night  in  building  earthworks. 
We  fell  back  with  our  Corps  on  the  night  of  the  I9th  ;  and 
on  the  following  morning  at  nine  o'clock,  marched  about  six 
miles  to  the  left.  When  we  came  near  the  Weldon  railroad, 
skirmishers  were  thrown  out,  and  in  the  firing  that  followed 
five  of  our  men  were  wounded.  We  were  moved  from 
point  to  point  on  the  night  of  the  2 1st,  being  occupied  a 
part  of  the  night  building  earthworks. 

The  skirmish  on  the  2ist  cost  us  the  farther  service  of 
Lieutenant  Lee  Churchill,  one  of  our  officers  who,  through 
out  all  his  term  of  service,  filled  a  most  honorable  place.  He 
was  wounded  on  that  day  in  the  arm,  the  bullet  severing  an 
artery.  If  surgeons  had  not  been  near  he  would  probably 
have  bled  to  death.  Their  timely  service  saved  a  valuable 
life.  He  was  afterwards  commissioned  captain,  and  later, 
brevet-major.  He  had  served  in  the  Second  New  York 
Volunteers  as  a  lieutenant.  After  resigning  from  that  reg 
iment  he  decided  to  again  enter  the  army,  but  insisted 
upon  entering  the  ranks.  He  was  soon  deservedly  promoted. 
At  Gettysburg,  although  wounded  in  four  places,  as  recorded 
in  a  former  part  of  this  work,  he  held  to  his  place  at  the  front. 
At  Bristoe  he  displayed  anew  his  tenacious  courage.  He 
was  with  the  regiment  in  all  of  its  engagements,  except  when 
he  was  absent  on  recruiting  service,  until  the  severe  wound 
received  on  the  2 1st  of  June. 

Lieutenant  Churchill  was  born  at  Troy,  New  York,  in  1836. 
At  the  age  of  seventeen  he  began  to  work  with  his  father,  a 


228      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

well-known  and  highly  esteemed  Trojan,  in  the  fruit  and  pro 
vision  business.  Five  years  later,  he  entered  the  employ  of 
R.  H  Gardner  &  Co.,  his  brother  being  the  partner  in  the  firm. 
They  were  shirt  and  collar  manufacturers.  He  enlisted  in 
1861,  under  the  first  call  for  volunteers;  and  finally  left  the 
service  only  when  compelled  to  do  so  by  the  severe  wound 
which  threatened  the  loss  of  his  arm.  In  hospital  at  New 
York,  where  he  was  sent  from  City  Point,  Virginia,  the  sur 
geons,  refusing  to  comply  with  his  request  to  amputate  his 
arm,  to  afford  relief  from  his  intense  suffering,  labored  faith 
fully  for  weeks,  and  with  final  success,  to  save  the  injured 
limb.  It  was  officers  with  the  fidelity  and  the  quiet,  stead 
fast  courage  of  Lieutenant  Churchill  who  led  the  men  in  the 
successes  of  the  war.  When  Colonel  Crandell  requested  the 
Governor  of  New  York  State  to  confer  upon  Lieutenant 
Churchill,  already  commissioned  as  captain,  a  brevet-major- 
ship,  he  concluded  his  petition  with  the  words:  u Although 
I  had  many  excellent  officers  and  men  in  my  regiment,  I 
frankly  admit  that  I  had  none  more  worthy  than  he."  He 
was  discharged  October  24th,  1864,  on  account  of  wounds  re 
ceived  in  battle. 

On  the  22d  of  June  occurred  what  we  never  dignified  with 
the  name  of  a  battle ;  what  has  always  been  known  by  our 
men  as  the  "  Petersburg  affair";  but  which  in  its  results  was 
no  trifling  matter  to  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth. 
We  now  know  that  the  move  on  that  day  was  designed  to  be 
an  important  operation.  It  was  nothing  less  than  the  first 
attempt  to  gain  the  Weldon  railroad.  To  the  Second  and 
Sixth  Corps  was  assigned  the  task,  the  latter  corps  being  on 
the  left.  We  now  know  that  the  Sixth  Corps  did  not  con 
nect  on  the  immediate  left.  We  now  know  that  when  we 
started  the  rebels  started  ;  and  that  they  passed  beyond  the 
left  of  our  corps  line,  and  came  on  our  left  flank  and  were  in 
rear  of  us.  We  now  know  that  some  one  blundered,  or 
failed  in  vigilance,  or  skill,  or  courage.  We  then  knew  what 
took  place  immediately  about  us.  The  writer  is  under  the 
necessity  of  speaking  in  the  first  person.  But  it  appears 


PETERSBURG.  229 

needful  in  order  to  teU  some  of  the  facts  of  this  regimental 
history.  We  were  marched  about  two  o'clock  in  the  after 
noon  out  of  our  works  into  some  woods,  moving  along  a  nar 
row  road  about  a  mile.  The  regiment,  excepting  the  colors, 
was  sent  on  the  skirmish.  The  main  line  was  in  no  particu 
lar  order  of  battle,  nor  was  it  in  readiness  for  action.  The 
men  were  lying  along  the  road  ;  when  suddenly  from  three 
directions  the  bullets  came  cutting  savagely  about  us.  Such 
was  the  unformed  state  of  the  line,  and  so  completely  bewil 
dering  were  the  lines  of  fire  that  the  men  did  not  attempt 
any  defense,  but  broke  at  once.  Strenuous  efforts  were 
made  to  rally  a  line.  An  effort  seemed  successful.  The  wri 
ter  debated  a  moment  whether  to  move  with  that  line  of  men, 
as  he  supposed  starting  for  the  rebels,  or  to  return  to  the 
rear  by  the  path  entering  the  woods.  He  fortunately  de 
cided  to  stay  with  the  men  and  started  with  them  on  the 
double  quick.  But  he  soon  found  that  they  were  making  for 
the  works  in  another  direction.  Any  halting  on  that  rapid 
run  was  quickly  replaced  with  another  turn  at  the  double- 
quick  as  the  bullets  came  buzzing  and  shrieking  by.  Many 
of  our  men  were  made  prisoners.  They  were  made  prisoners 
by  retreating  along  that  road  winding  through  the  woods. 
The  rebel  line  had  crossed  it  and  caught  our  men  in  the 
meshes  of  their  own  skill  and  of  our  folly.  Colonel  Crandell, 
who  had,  despite  his  wound  received  six  days  before,  returned 
to  duty,  barely  escaped  capture.  We  could  poorly  spare  the 
almost  two  score  men  lost  on  that  fatal,  shameful  day.  We 
had  left  too  many  brave  officers  on  the  almost  two  months 
steady  campaign  to  be  called  upon  to  mourn  three  more 
cut  down  with  mortal  wounds. 

But,  alas,  it  was  not  for  us  to  choose.  And  now  the  roll 
of  honor  was  increased  with  the  names  of  the  bright,  loved, 
brave  Miller — Merritt  B.  Miller — at  first  sergeant ;  then 
lieutenant ;  acting  as  adjutant  from  the  Rapidan,  and  com 
missioned  as  such  before  his  death.  It  is  not  an  easy  task 
to  trace  lines  that  quiver  with  memories  reaching  back  to 
boyhood,  amid  associations  of  school  and  church,  and  other 


230        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOL. 

scenes ;  to  tell  of  the  loss  of  such  men  as  Adjutant  Miller, 
who  would  go  into  battle  with  smile  on  his  face  and  gleeful 
words  on  his  lips ;  yet,  knowing  what  battle  meant,  and 
devoutly  grateful  at  every  escape  from  danger,  and  penning 
home  words  of  appreciation  of  the  noble  comrades  who  fell 
before  his  death-wound  came.  One  of  the  incidents  of  this 
historic  task  has  been  the  reading  of  the  home-letters  of 
Adjutant  Miller ;  from  which  have  been  gleaned  some 
details  which  the  writer  otherwise  could  not  have  known. 

As  an  illustration  of  his  character  a  letter  is  here  given 
written  to  his  brother  who  had  sent  word  of  his  purpose  to 


ADJUTANT    MERRTTT  B.  MILLER. 

enter  the  service.  He  wrote  August  5th,  1863  :  "  Remember 
the  counsel  that  you  have  had  at  home  and  in  the  Sunday- 
school,  and  profit  by  it.  Never  swerve  from  the  path  of 
truth  and  honesty.  Avoid  swearing.  There  is  nothing  more 
low  and  ungentlemanly.  Avoid  all  of  the  vices  of  camp  life. 
They  are  legion.  Another  thing  you  should  observe,  and 
that  is :  Obey  cheerfully  the  commands  of  your  superior 
officers.  No  matter  if  they  may  seem  unjust  and  arbitrary, 
the  first  and  best  quality  of  a  soldier  is  to  obey  orders.  I 
would  not  have  you  think  that  I  have  any  idea  that  you  have 
neglected  any  of  these.  Not  so.  I  merely  caution  you,  so 


LIEUTENANT  HULL.  231 

that  you  may  avoid  the  rocks  upon  which  so  many  have 
split.  Recollect  that  the  advice  which  I  give  you  is  the 
experience  of  a  year's  service,  where  I  have  had  the  best 
opportunity  of  observing." 

The  writer  knelt  beside  his  loved  friend  ere  he  was  taken 
to  City  Point.  The  hope  was  indulged  that  he  might  recover. 
He  was  planning  in  view  of  a  return  home.  As  late  as  the 
25th  of  June  he  wrote  a  few  lines  home,  bidding  the  friends 
not  to  worry  about  him.  But  the  bullet  which  crushed  his 
thigh,  had  struck  fatally ;  and,  at  2  o'clock  Sunday  morning, 
June  26th,  he  seemed  as  one  falling  asleep.  He  did  fall 
asleep  in  the  slumber  peopled  with  visions,  brighter  than 
dreams  tjiat  herald  the  morning  when  the  crowns  of  victory 
shall  press  hero  brows.  Is  the  record  needful,  to  disclose  the 
secret  springs  of  his  manly  life,  his  unfailing  courage,  his 
brave  death  ?  When  the  regiment  was  at  Annapolis  in  1862, 
in  a  prayer-meeting  Merritt  Miller  used  these  words :  "  I 
have  enlisted  in  the  service  of  the  United  States,  and  I  intend 
to  be  a  good  soldier.  I  have  also  enli-sted  in  the  service  of 
Jesus  Christ,  and  I  intend  to  serve  him  faithfully.  I  depend 
on  him  for  protection  and  salvation.  Through  his  grace  I 
expect  to  live  forever."  Merritt  Miller  might  have  held  a 
higher  commission.  He  was  granted  the  choice,  and  he 
chose  to  be  adjutant.  But  such  men  as  he  needed  not  posi 
tion  to  exalt  him.  He  was  exalted  in  his  own  manly  worth. 

Lieutenant  Egbert  B.  Hull  was  another  of  the  worthy  men 
shot  on  that  fatal  22d  of  June.  He  came  to  the  regiment  by 
outside  appointment,  and  was  a  man  in  mature  life.  He 
gained  the  universal  respect  of  the  officers  and  men.  He  was 
an  intimate  friend  of  Adjutant  Miller.  He  was  cheerful  and 
brave,  and  sincerely  and  greatly  was  his  death  deplored.  He 
died  in  rebel  hands.  John  Hammond,  captured  at  the  same 
time,  saw  Lieutenant  Hull  reclining  against  a  tree,  severely 
wounded.  But  he  was  not  permitted  by  the  rebels  to  stop 
or  hold  any  conversation  with  the  wounded  man,  who,  in  a 
few  days,  within  the  walls  of  a  rebel  hospital,  passed  from 
earth. 


232      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

Lieutenant  Edward  N.  Barnes  also  fell  on  the  22d  of  June. 
He  refused  to  surrender,  and  received  five  wounds  before  he 
fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  dying  within  their  lines 
June  2/th.  He  was  born  at  Utica,  New  York,  May  2d,  1836. 
He  was  a  printer  by  occupation.  Before  enlisting  in  the  One 
Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  he  had  served  in  Duryea's  Zou 
aves;  and,  later,  with  Sullivan's  Band  in  another  regiment. 
He  was  a  man  cool  in  danger,  and  who  won  many  friends. 


LIEUTENANT    EGBERT.   B  HULL. 


He  was  full  of  good  cheer  amid  discouragements,  and  com 
municated  his  hopefulness  to  others.  He  was  promoted  for 
valor  at  Gettysburg,  where  he  was  wounded.  He  received  a 
second  wound  at  Spottsylvania,  and  the  death-blow  came  to 
him  in  front  of  Petersburg.  He  died  amid  the  regrets  of  his 
comrades. 

Our  losses  in  officers  and  in  men  were  not  all  through 
wounds  or  by  death  on  battle-field.  Disease  was  doing  its 
work,  and  other  causes  operated  to  decimate  our  ranks. 

Lieutenant   Eglon  L.  Green   died   June   i/th,  of   wounds 


CAPTAIN  CHAMBERLIN.  233 

received  on  skirmish  line  May  3Oth.  He  was  an  additional 
illustration  of  the  truth  that  the  post  of  honor  was  the  place 
of  danger.  For  the  rifle  was  pointed  rnore  carefully  at  those 
recognized  from  uniform  and  sword  as  officers.  Lieutenant 
Green  fell  in  the  path  of  duty  and  is  named  with  the  honored 
dead.  He  was  a  good  officer,  and  was  mustered  as  lieutenant 
on  the  march. 

On  the  ipth  of  June,  Captain  Frank  Chamberlin  resigned. 
In  camp,  and  in  handling  men,  no  officer  gave  greater 
promise  of  useful  and  honorable  career  than  did  this  officer. 
Of  fine  bodily  presence,  quick  and  decisive,  he  was  regarded 


CAPTAIN    FRANK  CHAMBERLIN. 

with  true  favor.  He  left  the  regiment  when  the  long  cam 
paign  of  May  and  June  was  nearly  concluded,  having 
accompanied  the  regiment  in  its  many  movements.  On  the 
2 1st  of  June,  Lieutenant  L.  H.  Stevens,  of  whom  honorable 
mention  has  already  been  made,  was  honorably  discharged 
on  surgeon's  certificate  of  disability. 

Captain  William  H.  Hakes  left  the  regiment  on  the  2Qth 
of  June.  He  had  been  identified  with  it  from  its  organization, 
and  had  been  successively  promoted  from  second  to  first 
lieutenant  and  then  to  captain.  He  laid  aside  study  in 
college  to  enter  the  service.  He  was  an  educated  man,  an 


234       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

efficient  and  brave  soldier,  serving  faithfully  as  an  officer  to 
the  time  of  his  resignation.  His  withdrawal  from  the  regi 
ment  was  a  true  loss. 

About  this  time  we  were  compelled  to  part  with  another 
of  our  best  officers,  Captain  William  D.  Taylor.  Disease  of 
a  most  painful  kind  and  disabling  in  its  nature  had  become 
confirmed.  The  exposure  of  active  service  had  wrought  as 
effectually  in  laying  him  aside  from  duty  as  if  the  bullet  had 
prostrated  him,  and  on  the  I4th  of  July  he  was  honorably 


CAPTAIN  WILLIAM   H.    HAKES. 


discharged  from  the  service  upon  his  resignation.  He  was 
born  at  Granville,  Washington  County,  New  York,  and  was 
by  occupation  a  carriage  maker.  He  became  connected 
with  the  Troy  City  Artillery,  N.  Y.  S.  N.  Guards,  November 
9th,  1859,  and  was  promoted  to  corporal  and  sergeant  in  that 
company.  He  aided  in  recruiting  F  Company,  and  was 
mustered  as  second  lieutenant  with  rank  from  August  i8th, 
1862.  At  Chicago,  in  September  1862,  he  was  detailed  at 
Provost  Marshal's  Headquarters,  and  while  there  he  was 


CAPTAIN  TAYLOR  235 

taken  sick  with  fever  and  was  sent  to  camp  hospital,  and 
when  the  regiment  left  Chicago  he  remained  in  Marine 
Hospital,  with  many  other  men  of  the  regiment.  He  was 
transferred  to  Troy,  New  York,  where  he  was  under  surgeon's, 
care  until  April,  1863,  when  he  returned  to  the  regiment  and 
was  promoted  to  first  lieutenant,  D  Company,  with  rank 
from  February  6th,  1863.  He  was  detached  June  2Oth, 

1863,  to  command  the  division  ambulance  train.     Soon  after 
this,  the  exciting  incident  occurred  that  is  recorded  in  an 
earlier  chapter  of  this  history.     He  was  commissioned  and 
mustered  as  captain  November  3d,  1863,  and  assigned  to  E 
Company.     He  remained  with  the  company  until  May  I4th, 

1864,  when  on  account  of  disability  he  was  sent  to  the  hos 
pital  at  Annapolis,  Maryland.     He  returned  to  the  regiment 
June  6th,  when  this  was  at  Cold  Harbor,  and  remained  with 
the  company  until  June  I5th,  when    he  was  placed    in  camp 
hospital  on  account  of  inflammation  of  the  knee  joints  fol 
lowing  an  attack  of  fever,  he  being  unable  to  walk  except  on 
crutches.      He   was   with    the    regiment   in    the   battles   of 
Harper's  Ferry,  Auburn,  Bristoe,  Robertson's  Tavern,  Mine 
Run,  Morton's  Ford,  Wilderness,  Po    River,  Spottsylvania 
and  Cold  Harbor,  and  in  all  of  these  engagements  displayed 
the  qualities  of  a  true  man  and  a  brave  and  faithful  officer. 
Some  who  were  wounded  even  severely  have  long  ere  these 
lines  were  penned  recovered  fully  from  their  wounds,  but 
Captain  Taylor  has  carried    through  more  than  a  score  of 
years  the  affliction,  contracted    in  the   service,  which   took 
him  from  the  regiment  in  the  summer  of  1864. 

Following  the  Petersburg  affair,  a  temporary  consolidation 
was  made  of  some  of  the  regiments  which  had  been  greatly 
reduced  in  the  campaign.  Our  brigade,  with  a  part  of  the 
Second  Brigade,  was  formed  into  two  battalions.  The 
Fifty-seventh,  One  Hundred  and  Eleventh,  One  Hundred 
and  Twenty-sixth  and  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  were 
united  under  command  of  our  Colonel,  Levin  Crandell. 
About  this  time  Captain  Thomas  F.  Sheldon,  whose  record 
has  already  been  given,  was  sent  home  on  sick-leave  and  was 


236       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

unable  to  rejoin  his  command.  The  hot  weather  of  that 
summer,  combined  with  the  poor  water,  found  by  much 
digging,  affected  the  men  unfavorably,  and  tended  to  fill  the 
hospital  at  City  Point,  and  to  send  men  home,  some  tem 
porarily,  and  some  permanently. 

In  the  last  of  June  we  went  into  camp  behind  the  earth 
works.  We  were  here  on  the  Fourth  of  July.  That  Fourth 
of  July  was  the  first  day  for  two  months — from  May  5th— 
in  which  we  heard  no  firing.  Cannon  and  rifle  were  now 
silent.  Thus  ought  they  ever  to  have  been  as  pointed  by 
Americans  against  Americans.  The  heritage  of  the  memo 
ries  of  July  4th,  1776,  ought  to  have  made  impossible  the 
fierce  fratricidal  struggle  from  July  4,  '61 — and  before,  until 
July  4,  '64 — and  onward.  And  now  be  it  hoped  that  the 
dust  of  the  Blue  and  the  Gray,  mingling  in  united  graves, 
may  cement  in  perpetual  oneness  the  foundations  of  the 
Republic. 

We  were  busied  in  the  early  part  of  July  in  leveling  earth 
works  in  our  rear,  captured  by  us  in  the  charges  during  June. 
On  the  1 2th  of  July  we  fell  back  a  few  miles,  moving  at 
night  on  an  expedition  to  the  left,  afterwards  returning,  and 
marching  back  into  camp  near  Petersburg. 

We  remained  in  this  position  until  the  26th  of  July,  when, 
between  four  and  five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  we  broke 
camp  and  marched  until  about  three  o'clock  on  the  morning 
of  the  27th.  On  the  march,  we  crossed  the  Appomattox  at 
Point  of  Rocks  and  James  River  at  Deep  Bottom. 

We  occupied  our  assigned  place  in  the  line  of  battle  on 
the  morning  of  the  27th,  but  we  met  with  no  casualties. 
We  re-crossed  the  James  on  the  night  of  the  29th,  marching 
all  night  and  reaching  position  near  Petersburg  about  five 
o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  3Oth. 

With  our  Corps  had  marched  Sheridan's  Cavalry.  The 
design  was  to  strike,  if  practicable,  for  Richmond,  but  if 
that  failed,  the  demonstration  on  the  north  bank  of  the 
James  would  call  rebel  troops  from  Petersburg,  and,  thus, 
the  second  plan  of  General  Grant  might  better  be  carried 
out.  This  second  plan  was  connected  with  the  Petersburg 


MINE  EXPLOSION  AT  PETERSBURG. 


237 


mine  explosion.  We  had  known,  through  rumors,  of  the 
mining  operations  in  progress.  The  rebels  were  aware  of 
them,  and  sought  to  defeat  them  by  counter-mining.  But  the 
mine  had  been  successfully  dug,  the  gallery  to  it  being  over 
five  hundred  feet  long  with  a  cross-gallery  under  the  rebel 
lines  over  eighty  feet  long.  Eight  chambers,  each  contain 
ing  a  ton  of  powder,  were  in  readiness.  The  hour  had  been 
appointed  for  the  explosion.  Everything  promised  well. 


PONTOON  BRIDGE  AT  DEEP   BOTTOM. 

Five-eighths  of  the  rebel  army  was  north  of  the  James  on 
the  morning  of  the  3Oth  of  July,  and  our  army  was  largely 
in  hand  for  the  move  upon  Petersburg  itself.  But,  some  one 
blundered,  and  some  one  or  more  did  worse  than  blunder, 
some  one,  at  the  crisis  moment,  proved  a  coward.  The  mine 
was  exploded,  the  artillery  thundered,  and  the  men  of  the 
Ninth  Corps  moved  forward  through  the  yawning  gap 
opened  by  the  slaughter  of  hundreds  of  rebels.  But  no 
general  officer  was  on  hand  to  direct,  and  the  assaulting 


238       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

force,  instead  of  pressing  through  the  gap,  sweeping  the 
enemy  to  right  and  left,  huddled  in  the  awful  crater.  Min 
utes  grow  into  a  half-hour,  and  the  first  consternation  of  the 
explosion  passing,  the  rebels  were  led  back,  and  poured  into 
the  crowded  mass  of  men  a  deadly  fire.  A  large  number  of 
our  men  surrendered,  and  what  might  have  been  a  brilliant 
success  proved  a  dreadful  disaster.  Four  thousand  formed 
the  Union  loss  on  that  July  morning.  We  learned  afterwards 
of  hot  words  at  a  meeting  of  general  officers.  General 
Burnside  sought  to  defend  himself,  and  he  left  the  army. 
But  General  Grant  was  positive  in  condemning  Burnside 
and  the  commander  of  the  advance  division  making  the 
charge.  We  understood  at  the  time  that  the  fatal  defect 
was  in  a  change  in  the  plan  of  assault  made  almost  at  the  last 
day.  We  were  told,  that  for  weeks  the  colored  troops 
had  been  in  training  for  the  work.  The  drill  had  been  in 
evolutions  to  be  followed  when  the  assault  should  be  made. 
But,  at  the  last,  General  Meade  decided  that  white  troops 
were  alone  equal  to  the  undertaking.  The  result  proved 
his  mistake. 

To  the  Union  losses  in  front  of  Petersburg  in  June, 
amounting  to  10,586  all  told,  must  now  be  added  this  dis 
aster  in  July  of  419  killed,  1,679  wounded,  and  1,910  missing. 
The  rebel  loss  at  the  mine  explosion  was  only  a  little  more 
than  one-fourth  of  the  Union  loss. 

Our  regiment,  which  left  Stevensburg  May  4th  about  four 
hundred  strong,  receiving  some  reinforcements  in  the  three 
months  following,  by  the  end  of  this  time  was  smaller  by 
two-thirds  than  at  its  beginning.  Grant  was  no  idler.  "  Sum 
mer  quarters  "  and  "  winter  quarters "  were  terms  that 
ceased  practically  to  have  a  meaning.  The  rebels  too  were 
on  the  alert.  Early  had  gone  to  the  Shenandoah,  and  Wash 
ington  had  been  threatened  ;  and  the  Sixth  Corps  had  been 
sent  from  our  force  fronting  Petersburg.  Sheridan  had  been 
sent  to  command  in  the  Valley.  And,  to  co-operate  with 
movements  there,  another  attempt  was  made  at  Deep  Bot 
tom. 


STRAWBERRY  PLAINS.  239 

On  the  1 2th  of  August  we  were  marched  to  City  Point, 
and  were  placed  on  transports.  It  was  rumored  that  we 
were  to  go  to  Washington.  There  were  no  stragglers. 
We  were  safely  on  .trie  boats,  when  wre  heard  the  direc 
tions  given,  and  the  prows  of  the  vessels  were  turned  up 
stream,  and  we  knew  that  business  wras  on  hand. 

When  we  landed  we  were  moved  about  two  miles  to  the 
New  Market  road.  Colonel  Crandell  was  in  command  of  the 
brigade.  The  Irish  regiments  made  a  successful  charge  on 
a  line  of  rifle  pits.  Most  of  the  brigade  was  on  the  skirmish- 
line  on  the  1 4th.  At  night  we  were  moved  a  short  distance 
to  the  left  and  threw  up  temporary  breastworks.  We  were 
sent  again  to  the  New  Market  road ;  but,  with  the  excep 
tion  of  heavy  skirmishing,  the  regiment  did  no  hard  righting. 

Aside  from  the  part  taken  by  our  regiment,  that  the  ac 
tion  at  Strawberry  Plains  was  a  considerable  affair  is  evi 
denced  by  the  fact  that  the  Union  troops  lost  400  killed ; 
1,755  wounded  ;  and  1,400  missing.  The  rebels  lost  between 
one  and  two  thousand.  Some  exciting  incidents  occurred 
with  which  our  Colonel  was  connected.  But  any  general 
attempt  upon  the  enemy  was  relinquished,  and  another 
night-march  brought  us  back  again  on  the  old  ground. 
This  second  expedition  is  named  Strawberry  Plains,  as  it 
extended  farther  inland  than  the  first.  Neither  was  pro 
ductive  of  any  decisive  results  in  our  favor. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

REAM'S  STATION — FORT  STEAD  MAN — BOMBARDMENTS. 

TMMEDIATELY  after  our  return  from  Strawberry  Plains, 
-*•  we  were  sent  with  our  Corps  to  the  left,  to  destroy  the 
Weldon  Railroad.  We  began  this  work  on  the  afternoon  of 
August  22d,  and  continued  it  for  two  days.  The  rails  were 
torn  up,  the  ties  were  piled  together,  and  over  the  piles  of 
wood  the  rails  were  placed.  The  wood  was  fired  and  the 
rails,  heated  red  hot  at  the  centre  and  bent,  were  rendered 
useless. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  24th  it  rained.  It  rained  hard. 
The  ground  was  low  where  the  regiment  bivouacked.  The 
Government  dealt  out  rations  of  whiskey  that  afternoon. 
By  some  arrangement  a  part  of  the  staff  and  the  non-com 
missioned  staff  were  brought  together  at  mess.  A  rail-fence 
had  been  taken  and  a  bed  was  formed  of  those  rails.  The 
writer  does  not  recall  how  even  soldiers'  blankets  made 
that  bed  of  rails  smooth.  He  will  not  vouch  that  it  was 
smooth.  But,  it  was  better  than  lying  in  water.  A  fire 
had  been  kindled  on  ground  a  little  more  elevated,  and  the 
coffee-pot  was  in  place.  It  was  now  dark,  and  the  Chaplain 
had  helped  himself  to  his  cup  of  coffee  and  had  retired  for 
the  night,  leaving  the  coffee-pot  simmering  on  the  coals. 
After  awhile  the  other  members  of  the  mess,  including  the 
Commissary  Sergeant,  Josiah  Green,  Jr. — who  had  been  on 
duty  dealing  out  rations,  including  the  whiskey — came  to 
gether  about  the  fire.  The  canteens  had  been  filled  with 
water  ;  and  the  Commissary  took  up  a  canteen  and  filled  the 
coffee-pot  anew.  And  now,  squatted  in  Indian-fashion  about 


COMMISSARY  SERGEANT  GREEN.  241 

that  fire,  those  men  watched  that  coffe-pot.  Above  it  ap 
peared  a  bluish  flame.  An  earnest  discussion  arose  whether 
steam  from  water  can  burn.  The  question  remained  unde 
cided  until  the  coffee  was  served.  Then  was  asked  quite 
loud  the  courteous  question  :  "  Chaplain,  have  some  more 
coffee  ?"  But  the  response  was  :  "  No  ;  I  have  had  my 
cup."  "  But,  Chaplain,  take  some  more  !"  "  No;  thanks!" 
The  mystery  of  burning  steam  was  solved  ;  and  with  loud 
laughter  was  it  proclaimed  that  the  Commissary  had  by  mis 
take  emptied  into  the  coffee-pot,  not  a  canteen  of  water,  but 


COMMISSARY  SERGEANT  JOSIAH  GREEN,  JR. 

of  whiskey.  But,  the  Chaplain  escaped  the  pleasant  trap  ; 
and  to  the  present  cannot  understand  how  that  whiskey- 
coffee  kept  those  who  drank  it — as  they  claimed — from  taking 
cold  ;  when  he,  without  drinking  it,  took  no  cold. 

But  that  Commissary  Green  was  a  royal  fellow.  He  had 
served  in  the  Commissary  Department  from  the  early  days 
of  our  regiment;  and  had  been  promoted  to  be  commissary 
sergeant.  He  was,  later,  granted  with  decided  merit  a  lieu 
tenant's  commission.  He  was  one  of  the  faithful  number 
whose  services  throughout  the  entire  war  contributed  to  the 
comfort  of  the  men.  In  all  the  many  movements  of  the 


242       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

troops,  seldom  were  these  without  the  rations  due ;  and, 
when  for  reasons  beyond  control  the  rations  were  exhausted 
before  the  time  for  which  they  had  been  issued,  the  defi 
ciency  was  supplied  by  an  extra  issue.  The  administration 
of  the  Commissary  Department  throughout  the  war  was  a 
marvel. 

On  the  25th  of  August  occurred  the  battle  of  Ream's  Sta 
tion.  The  fight  was  quite  spirited,  and  lasted  from  one 
o'clock  P.  M.  until  dark.  The  rebels,  who  had  marched 
from  Petersburg  to  resist  us,  made  repeated  efforts  to 
break  our  lines,  and  were  repeatedly  repulsed.  About  six 
o'clock  P.  M.  they  opened  on  us  with  artillery,  firing  very 
rapidly.  To  all  appearance,  they  designed  charging  upon 
our  left,  as  they  shelled  our  works  at  that  point,  giving  us  an 
enfilading  fire;  but  those  in  command  of  our  men  were  not 
deceived  by  this.  Captain  Egolf  came  in  from  the  skirmish- 
line,  and  gave  information  that  the  rebels  were  advancing  on 
the  right,  upon  which  our  artillery  at  once  opened  fire,  firing 
very  rapidly  into  the  woods.  The  shelling  was  continued  for 
some  minutes,  following  which  was  the  rebel  charge  which 
formed  the  principal  feature  of  the  battle.  The  charge  was 
made  by  them  ii\  force.  The  skirmish-line  fell  back,  as  it 
always  did  when  a  line  of  battle  approached.  When  the 
rebels  came  out  of  the  woods  in  front  of  our  line,  our  men 
opened  a  destructive  fire  on  them.  They  kept  advancing 
until  within  twelve  or  fifteen  yards  of  our  lines,  when  their 
line  wavered  and  stopped.  This  was  the  turning  point  of 
the  fight,  and  here  we  failed.  The  works  might  have  been 
held.  To  be  sure,  our  line  was  quite  narrow,  and  the  centre 
of  it  presented  but  a  narrow  front ;  true,  that  in  rear  of  the 
front  of  the  centre,  only  a  few  feet,  was  the  railroad  cut,  at 
least  twelve  feet  deep,  to  be  crossed  with  great  difficulty ; 
true,  that  it  would  have  been  the  part  of  wisdom  to  have  had 
our  front  on  the  near  instead  of  the  far  side  of  the  railroad ; 
yet  the  works,  which  were  old  ones,  constructed  by  the  cav 
alry  some  time  before,  ought  to  have  been  held  by  our  men. 
There  is  no  excuse  to  offer  that  they  were  not  held.  The  line 


REAM'S  STATION.  243 

first  gave  way  on  the  left,  at  a  point  occupied  by  a  regiment 
only  lately  filled  with  new  recruits,  many  of  whom  had  never 
before  been  under  fire,  and  some  of  whom  were  not  yet 
armed.  This  created  something  of  a  panic,  and  all  of  the 
centre  gave  way,  which  was  followed  by  the  disorganization  of 
the  whole  line.  For  some  minutes,  officers  and  others  tried 
in  vain  to  rally  the  men.  Colors  were  planted,  and  men 
were  called  upon  to  rally  around  them,  but  only  a  few  would 
halt.  At  length,  General  Hancock  placed  himself  in  front 
.of  the  men  and  said,  "  Men,  will  you  leave  me?"  A  number 
then  rallied,  when  he  charged  them  up  to  the  works.  At  the 
same  time,  another  line  was  rallied  a  few  hundred  yards  in 
the  rear  by  officers  rushing  in  front  of  the  men  and  waving 
their  hats  and  swords  and  calling  upon  the  men  to  follow. 
This  came  up  to  the  support  of  the  other,  and  thus  the 
rebels  were  kept  at  bay,  and  soon,  by  a  skillful  move  to  the 
right,  a  flank  fire  was  opened  on  the  rebels,  and  they  were 
not  permitted  to  follow  up  their  advantage,  and  the  day  was 
redeemed.  During  the  night  a  portion  of  our  men  fell  back, 
by  orders,  to  the  Williams  House,  on  the  left  of  our  line; 
others  remaining  until  morning,  when  they  joined  us.  The 
rebels  hurried  away  in  the  night — having  suffered,  we  think, 
more  heavily  than  did  we  in  killed  and  wounded.  All  of  our 
regiment  was  on  the  skirmish-line  during  the  last  charge. 

That  is,  in  brief,  an  account  of  the  battle.  But,  there  were 
details  concerning  officers  and  enlisted  men  that  must  not  be 
omitted  from  this  record.  Colonel  Crandell  was  Division 
Officer  of  the  Day,  and  was  busied  along  the  whole  line. 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Hyde  was  in  command  of  the  brigade. 
Captain  Joseph  Egolf,  while  in  command  of  the  regiment, 
did  his  duty  nobly;  as  at  other  times,  so  on  that  day  which 
cost  him  his  right  arm.  Every  inch  of  the  ground  where  he 
fought  was  contested  with  the  enemy.  An  old  ice-house 
stood  on  the  ground  beyond  the  railroad  cut.  He  brought 
our  men  behind  the  ice-house.  Leading  the  men  in  an  effort 
to  dislodge  the  enemy  from  their  position,  which  afforded  a 
cross-fire  upon  our  men,  he  received  his  wound.  He  was 


244      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  V.  S.  VOLS. 

shot  when  in  the  railroad  cut,  where  the  men  had  fallen  back. 
He  was  at  first  reported  dead  and  the  writer  made  efforts  to 
get  through  the  lines  to  secure  his  body.  But  later  reports 
proved  reliable,  that,  while  severely  wounded,  he  was  alive. 

Captain  Egolf  was  held  in  the  highest  estimation  in  our 
regiment  and  among  the  citizens  of  Troy.  When  the  report 
of  his  death  reached  Troy,  the  following  tribute,  appearing 
in  the  Troy  Times,  under  date  of  August  3ist,  1864,  voiced 
the  general  regard  for  him.  No  one  could  desire  a  more 


CAPTAIN  JOSEPH  EGOLF. 

grateful  tribute  ;  and,  in  giving  it  a  place  here  we  give  to 
Captain,  afterwards  Major,  Egolf,  fitting  honor.  It  reads: 
"  There  are  few  officers  whose  loss  will  cause  a  more  pro 
found  regret  in  this  city  and  neighborhood  than  that  of  Cap 
tain  Egolf,  and  our  pen  can  scarcely  do  adequate  justice 
to  his  conspicuous  bravery  and  military  services,  and  his 
purity  of  private  character.  He  was  one  of  the  first  to  'rally 
round  the  flag,'  after  it  had  been  fired  on  at  Fort  Sumter. 
He  enlisted  in  a  Troy  regiment  (the  Second)  and  was  made 


CAPTAIN  EGOLF.  245 

orderly  sergeant  of  D  Company,  commanded  by  Captain  Cas- 
sidy,  and  composed  mainly  of  fellow-moulders.  He  was  pro 
moted  to  a  lieutenantcy  and  then  to  a  captaincy,  in  which 
capacity  he  returned  with  the  regiment. 

"  He  was  present  in  all  the  battles  in  which  the  old  Second 
took  part,  and  was  conceded  to  be  one  of  its  leading  officers. 
At  Bristoe  Station,  in  the  Summer  of  1862,  (August  2/th) 
he  received  a  terrible  wound  in  the  neck,  and  narrowly  es 
caped  death.  He  returned  home  for  awhile,  and  then  re 
joined  his  command.  When  the  regiment  was  mustered  out 
of  the  service,  he  retired  to  private  life  for  a  time.  A  year 
ago  he  was  active  in  procuring  enlistments,  and  was  ap 
pointed  by  the  county  one  of  its  recruiting  officers.  A  few 
months  ago  he  joined  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  as 
lieutenant.  Less  modest  men  would  have  claimed  and  easily 
obtained  higher  rank ;  but  he  soon  won  his  double  bars. 
Only  last  week  we  recorded  his  promotion  to  a  captaincy. 
The  chasm  of  strife  has  been  bridged  by  the  bodies  of  many 
of  our  noblest  and  bravest,  and  the  rebel  bullet  at  Ream's 
Station  added  to  the  roll  of  heroes  a  name  of  deathless  mem 
ory.  He  lived  without  a  foe ;  he  died  with  regrets  on  every 
lip — for  even  the  frequency  of  such  events  does  not  dull  the 
popular  sympathy  over  a  loss  like  his. 

'  Make  him  a  grave  where  the  sunbeams  rest, 

When  they  promise  a  glorious  morrow. 
They  shall  smile  o'er  the  turf,  like  a  light  from  the  West, 
And  brighten  the  mantle  of  sorrow.'  " 

These  words  were  penned  of  him  when  he  was  thought  to 
be  dead.  All  that  is  good  in  them  remained  when  it  was 
learned  that  he  was  living. 

Among  the  mortally  wounded  was  Corporal  George  Mer 
chant  of  G  Company.  He  captured,  while  on  the  skirmish- 
line,  two  rebels ;  and  received  his  death-wound  when  in  ad 
vance  of  our  line.  He  served  faithfully  in  his  company,  and 
fell  at  last  as  pure  a  patriot  as  any  man  of  our  regiment.  He 
might  have  done  duty  where  dangers  were  less  great ;  but  he 
refused  a  position  removed  from  peril,  declaring :  "  I  enlisted 


DAVID  MCNEELY,  BENJAMIN  MONTGOMERY,  WILLIAM  BOLTON. 


CAPTAIN  BABCOCK. 


247 


to  fight  for  my  country,  and  I  do  not  wish  my  comrades  to 
do  my  duty  for  me." 

Among  the  captured  at  Ream's  Station  was  William  Bol- 
ton,  of  C  Company.  He  was  one  of  the  faithful  men  in  the 
ranks,  who  like  others,  was  deserving  of  position  of  responsi 
bility.  After  his  capture  he  was  taken  to  Libby  Prison, 
Richmond,  to  Belle  Island,  and  to  Salisbury,  remaining  a 
prisoner  six  months  and  three  days. 


CAPTAIN  WILLIAM  H.   BABCOCK. 


Among  the  others  captured  at  the  same  time  were  Lieu 
tenant,  afterwards  Captain,  William  H.  Babcock,  and  Lieu 
tenant  Henry  M.  Clum,  both  of  them  men  who  rose  from 
the  ranks  through  a  fidelity  to  duty  that  commanded  the  at 
tention  of  their  officers. 

Captain  Babcock  was  born  at  Whitehall,  N.  Y.,  August 
1 2th,  1830.  He  became  by  trade  a  house  painter,  living  at 
Troy.  In  1855  he  moved  to  Chicago,  Ills.  In  1859,  ^e 
went  to  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  from  which  place  he  moved  to  New 


248     ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

Orleans,  La.  He  was  at  the  last  named  place  at  the  out 
break  of  the  war.  He  was  impressed  in  the  celebrated  Lou 
isiana  Tigers ;  but,  he  had  in  mind  when  he  became  a  rebel 
soldier  to  escape  at  the  earliest  opportunity,  for  his  convic 
tions  bound  him  to  the  North.  He  made  his  escape  and 
came  to  New  York ;  shortly  afterwards  enlisting  in  our  reg 
iment.  He  was  one  of  the  four  men  who  carried  Colonel 
Willard's  body  to  the  rear  at  Gettysburg.  After  his  capture 


CAPTAIN  HENRY  M.  CLUM. 

at  Reams's  Station,  and  while  a  prisoner  in  Libby  prison,  he 
sought  to  make  his  escape,  but  was  thwarted  in  his  plan. 
When  exchanged,  he  returned  to  the  regiment  and  served  to 
the  close  of  the  war. 

Lieutenant,  afterwards  Captain,  Henry  M.  Clum,  also  men 
tioned  as  taken  prisoner,  was  born  in  the  town  of  Brunswick, 
Rensselaer  County,  New  York,  February  2d,  1826.  He  came 
to  Troy  in  1845.  He  was  by  trade  a  moulder.  He  had  four 


WELDON  RAILROAD.  249 

brothers  in  the  army,  and  belonged  therefore  to  a  truly  pat 
riotic  family.  We  have  recorded  the  death  of  one  of  his 
brothers  at  Cold  Harbor.  Lieutenant  Clum  was  a  good  sol 
dier,  never  shirking  his  duty,  and  deserved  the  promotion 
which  came  to  him  unsought,  and  which  took  him  from  pri 
vate  to  a  captaincy.  At  Ream's  Station  he  saw  the  man 
who  shot  Captain  Egolf.  He  was  staunching  Captain  Egolf's 
wound  when  he  was  captured.  It  is  a  true  pleasure  to  record 
the  services  rendered  by  such'  men  as  Captain  Clum,  and  the 
honors  which  came  to  them. 

Sergeant  Richard  Hulbert  was  also  numbered  with  the 
prisoners  in  the  battle  at  Ream's  Station.  He  had  been 
wounded  on  the  i8th  of  June,  and  had  been  sent  to  hospital; 
but,  he  returned  to  the  regiment  in  time  to  take  part  in  the 
battle  where  he  was  captured.  He  remained  in  rebel  prison 
until  paroled  in  March,  1865. 

The  move  on  our  part  on  the  line  of  the  Weldon  Railroad 
immediately  followed  the  capture  of  the  road  by  the  Fifth 
Corps  under  General  Warren.  All  the  rebel  attempts  to  re 
take  the  road  proved  futile.  Even  a  partial  success  at 
Ream's  Station  did  not  affect  the  general  result  which  was 
doubly  in  favor  of  the  Union  troops — in  that  the  rebels  suf 
fered  most  severely  in  the  engagements  at  the  road ;  and,  in 
that  the  road  remained  thereafter  in  our  hands.  The  loss 
on  our  side  was,  killed,  212;  wounded,  1,155  ;  missing,  3,176. 
The  number  of  the  rebels  killed  is  unrecorded,  but  it  is 
known  that  their  entire  loss  was  over  4,000. 

It  should  be  recorded,  that  after  our  engagement  at  Ream's 
Station,  Colonel  Crandell  called  for  a  court  of  inquiry  to  de 
termine  the  responsibility  of  the  affair  on  the  22d  of  June, 
and  to  fix  the  reponsibility  of  the  partial  disaster  at  Ream's 
Station.  The  object  was  to  exonerate  the  men  of  his  com 
mand  from  all  blame,  and  to  disclose  mismanagement  on  the 
part  of  some  men  in  command.  As  Corps  Officer  of  the 
Day  on  the  23d  of  June,  he  was  called  upon  for  a  report  of 
the  condition  of  the  lines.  His  report,  if  pressed,  would  have 
rightly  affixed  the  responsibility  of  June  22d. 


250      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

From  June  I5th  to  June  ipth  we  suffered  a  loss  in  killed 
of  1,298;  wounded,  2,943;  missing,  1,814.  The  rebel  loss  is 
not  known  ;  and  the  Union  loss  on  the  22d  and  23d  of  June 
was,  killed,  604;  wounded,  2,494;  missing,  2,217.  The  Con 
federate  loss  was,  so  far  as  known,  a  trifle ;  as  reported,  less 
than  1,000. 

After  Ream's  Station,  the  regiment  came  under  the  com 
mand  of  Captain  Nelson  Penfield,  the  Colonel  being  in  com 
mand  of  the  brigade.  Captain  Penfield,  although  injured 
painfully  at  Cold  Harbor  by  the  falling  of  a  tree  when  breast 
works  were  building,  remained  at  his  post.  In  the  depletion 


CAPTAIN  NELSON  I'ENFIELD. 


of  line  officers,  the  writer  was  called  into  the  adjutant's  office, 
and  was  brought  into  close  relations  with  Captain  Penfield. 
He  retains  most  pleasant  remembrance  of  one  who  sought  to 
the  utmost  of  his  ability  to  do  his  duty. 

Captain  Penfield  was  born  in  Ballston,  Saratoga  County, 
N.  Y.,  April  24th,  1818.  He  was  employed  for  years  as  a 
collar-cutter  in  Troy;  and  was  at  the  same  time  a  member 
of  the  night-police.  For  fifteen  years  he  was  connected  with 
the  Troy  City  Artillery,  and  was  a  lieutenant  of  this  com 
pany  at  the  time  he  was  commissioned  captain  of  F  Com 
pany  of  our  regiment.  He  was  with  the  regiment  in  all  of 


BEHIND  THE  EARTHWORKS.  251 

its  battles,  except  when  he  was  absent  on  sick-leave,  up  to 
his  resignation.  He  contracted  disease  incident  to  exposure 
and  to  camp-fare,  that  compelled  him  to  withdraw  from  the 
service,  which  he  did  before  the  next  and  final  campaign  of 
the  war.  He  carried  home,  fatally  fixed  upon  him,  the  dis 
ease  which  took  him  from  the  front.  He  was  not  able  to  do 
a  day's  work  from  the  time  of  his  resignation  until  the  time 
of  his  death,  February  i8th,  1886.  He  was  buried  with  mili 
tary  honors,  in  Troy,  and  fills  an  honorable  grave. 

After  Ream's  Station,  although  we  were  for  a  short  time 
on  reserve,  our  camp  behind  the  earthworks  gained  the  title 
of  "  Bullet  Camp,"  for  the  bullets  of  the  enemy  curved 


BEHIND  THE  EARTHWORKS. 


about  us  and  wounded  not  a  few  in  the  general  line,  our 
regiment  not  escaping  unhurt.  The  writer  remembers  a 
bullet  which  cut  a  hole  at  the  head  of  the  bunk,  made  of 
barrel-staves,  within  shelter  tent,  where  he  was  quartered. 

Afterwards  we  were  placed  in  Fort  Steadman,  memorable 
in  the  following  spring,  when  the  rebels  at  this  point  made 
their  last  aggressive  effort  to  break  through  our  lines,  which 
was  momentarily  successful,  but  was  finally  completely  de 
feated,  with  a  loss  of  about  4,000  to  the  rebels  to  2,200  on  the 
Union  side.  While  we  were  in  Fort  Steadman,  during  the 
month  of  September  and  in  the  time  following,  the  night- 
air  above  and  along  our  lines  was  made  brilliant  with  the 


252       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

trailing  fire  of  burning  fuse  from  curving  and  bursting  shell. 
It  was  a  display  of  fireworks — carrying  danger  and  death — 
attended,  nevertheless,  with  more  than  a  Fourth  of  July 
enthusiasm  on  the  part  of  the  Union  troops.  For  these 
night  bombardments,  from  mortar  and  cannon,  were  the 
jubilant  celebration  of  the  victories  of  Sheridan  in  the  Valley, 
of  Sherman  in  Georgia,  and  on  his  great  march  to  the  sea, 
and  of  Schofield  and  Thomas  in  Tennessee.  In  September 
came  the  word  of  Sheridan's  victories  at  Opequon  Creek  and 
Fisher's  Hill.  Then,  in  October,  came  that  most  brilliant  vic 
tory  beyond  Winchester,  where  disaster  occurring  during 


FORT  STEADMAN. 

Sheridan's  absence  was  not  only  retrieved,  but  where  the  en 
emy  was  most  fearfully  routed.  Early,  the  commander  of  the 
rebel  forces,  lost  more  men,  as  General  Grant  relates,  "  in 
killed,  wounded,  and  captured  in  the  Valley  than  Sheridan 
had  commanded  from  first  to  last."  The  one  engagement  at 
Opequan  Creek  inflicted  upon  the  enemy  a  loss  of  over  5>5°°  5 
the  Union  loss  being,  killed,  653  ;  wounded,  3,719;  missing, 
618.  The  wisdom  of  General  Grant  in  placing  Sheridan  in 
command  inthe  Shenandoah  was  justified,  and  the  Cavalry 
was  now  made  to  do  most  effective  service  in  battle. 

A  shotted    salute  from  a  hundred   guns  proclaimed  the 
successive  triumphs  of  General  Sherman  in  his  campaign, 


SHERMAN'S  VICTORIES.  253 

dating  from  the  same  time  of  the  Wilderness  campaign,  and 
culminating  at  Atlanta,  where,  in  addition  to  all  the  losses 
heretofore  sustained  on  both  sides,  the  rebels  lost  on  the  22d 
of  July,  1864,  alone,  2,482  killed,  4,000  wounded,  and  2,017 
missing,  to  a  Union  loss  of  500  killed,  2,141  wounded,  and 
missing,  i.ooo.  From  May  5th  to  September  8th  General 
Sherman's  muster  rolls  recorded  5,284  killed  ;  26,129  wound 
ed,  and  5,g86  missing.  The  advance  was  great  in  the  records 
of  war  ;  the  loss  was  fearful  in  the  annals  of  humanity.  To 
the  figures  in  the  latter  record  must  be  added  the  unknown 
number  of  the  rebel  killed  and  wounded.  But,  Sherman's 
victories  that  we  chiefly  celebrated  was  his  capture  of  At 
lanta,  September  2d,  1864,  and  of  Savannah,  about  Christmas 
of  that  year. 

General  Hood  had  been  permitted  to  go  into  Tennessee, 
while  Sherman  marched  towards  the  sea.  But,  at  Franklin, 
Tennessee,  the  rebels  were  badly  punished  by  the  Union 
troops  under  General  Schofield,  losing  1,750  killed,  3,800 
wounded,  and  702  missing,  while  the  Union  forces  lost  189 
killed,  wounded,  1,033,  and  missing,  1,104.  At  Nashville 
came  the  final  rout  of  the  rebels,  in  that  winter  battle,  when 
General  Thomas  crushed  and  scattered  Hood's  army.  In 
that  campaign  they  lost  about  20,000  men  to  about  six 
thousand  on  the  Union  side.  The  word  of  all  these  vic 
tories  was  most  cheering  to  our  men,  and  was  made  cor 
respondingly  depressing  to  the  rebels,  as  Union  cheers  rang 
along  our  lines  after  the  reading  of  the  orders  announcing 
the  triumphs.  Many  of  the  rebels  deserted  to  our  lines. 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  year  we  were  stationed  for  a  short 
time  at  Fort  Patrick  Kelly.  We  formed  a  part  of  the  forces 
sent  towards  Hatcher's  Run  in  October,  but  no  more  fighting 
was  done  by  our  regiment  during  the  year  1864. 

Before  the  year  closed  we  were  called  upon  to  part  with 
our  Colonel.  Although  greatly  regretting  his  loss,  it  was  a 
satisfaction  that  he  was  not  cut  down  in  death  on  battle 
field  as  was  his  predecessor.  Wounded  slightly  three  times, 
he  had  escaped  a  fatal  shot. 


254       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

Colonel  Crandell  was  a  son  of  Otis  and  Eliza  A.  Crandell. 
He  was  born  at  Crandell's  Corners,  in  the  town  of  Easton, 
Washington  County,  New  York,  on  the  22d  day  of  De 
cember,  1826.  His  father  was  a  soldier  in  the  War  of 
1812.  At  the  age  of  ten  years  his  father  sold  his  farm  in 
Easton  and  purchased  a  farm  of  135  acres  in  the  town  of 
Milton,  Saratoga  County,  taking  possession  on  or  about  the 
1 5th  of  March,  1836.  He  was  kept  at  school  closely,  ex 
cepting  in  planting  and  harvest  time.  At  the  age  of 
eighteen  he  was,  at  a  meeting  called  by  proper  authority, 
elected  captain  of  the  militia  of  the  town,  under  the  old 
State  law,  which  position  he  never  filled,  as  on  the  5th  of 
August,  1845,  he  went  to  Troy  and  took  a  position  as  a 
clerk  in  the  dry  goods  store  of  Jared  Brewster,  No.  3  Canon 
Place.  In  the  spring  of  1846,  he  went  into  the  store  of 
James  Buell,  in  the  same  line  of  business,  and  remained  with 
him  until  Mr.  Buell  went  into  the  banking  business.  He 
followed  the  mercantile  business  until  March,  1854,  when  he 
took  the  position  of  general  book-keeper  of  the  Central  Bank 
of  Troy,  and  remained  there  until  August,  1862.  He  joined 
the  Troy  Citizens'  Corps  in  1856,  and  remained  a  mem 
ber  of  that  organization  until  he  received  a  commission  as 
surgeon's  mate  in  the  Twenty-fourth  Regiment  New  York 
State  Militia,  dated  November  I5th,  1858.  On  July  i6th, 
1860,  he  was  commissioned  adjutant  of  the  same  regiment, 
under  Colonel  Joseph  B.  Carr,  and  on  Colonel  Carr  accepting 
the  colonelcy  of  the  Second  Regiment  New  York  State 
Volunteers,  he  was  elected  colonel  of  the  Twenty-fourth 
Regiment,  over  the  major  and  lieutenant-colonel,  rank  from 
June  29th,  1861,  Isaac  McConhie  being  the  opposing  can 
didate. 

On  the  morning  of  the  5th  of  August,  1862,  a  delegation 
from  the  War  Committee  called  on  him  at  the  Central  Bank 
of  Troy,  and  requested  him  to  take  command  of  what  was 
subsequently  known  as  Camp  Halleck,  saying  that  George 
L.  Willard  was  to  command  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty- 
Fifth  Regiment,  then  being  organized,  and  that  he  had  not 


COLONEL  CRANDELL.  255 

as  yet  been  relieved  from  his  duties  in  the  field,  and  it  was 
necessary  that  some  one  should  take  charge  of  the  camp  un 
til  he  arrived,  and  saying  that  if  anything  should  happen  to 
prevent  Colonel  Willard  from  taking  the  position,  that  he, 
Colonel  Crandell,  would  likely  be  asked  to  take  the  regi 
ment  to  the  field  as  its  Colonel.  He  stated  to  the  delega 
tion  that  his  time  was  not  his  own,  but,  if  he  was  at  liberty 
to  do  so,  would  gladly  accept  the  position.  A  meeting  of 
the  directors  of  the  bank  was  immediately  called,  and  at  the 
close  of  the  meeting  the  president  informed  him  that  the 
directors  had  passed  a  resolution  to  the  effect  that  he  might 
assume  command  of  the  camp  and  that  his  salary  would  be 
continued  by  the  bank  until  the  regiment  was  organized. 

This  was  about  12  o'clock,  and  at  3  o'clock  the  same  day 
he  assumed  command  and  retained  the  command  until  the 
organization  was  completed,  and  the  regiment  put  on  board 
of  the  cars  for  the  field.  When  on  board,  Colonel  George  L. 
Willard  assumed  command.  On  the  afternoon  of  the  28th 
of  August,  1862,  the  War  Committee  waited  on  him  and 
asked  him  if  he  was  consumptive,  (as  he  was  tall  and  slender 
at  that  time.)  He  asked  them  why  they  asked  the  question. 
They  replied  that  the  line  officers  had  petitioned  to  have 
him  commissioned  lieutenant-colonel  and  sent  into  the  field 
with  them.  On  his  replying  that  he  was  not  in  any  way 
inclined  to  consumption,  Mr.  Eddy  of  the  War  Committee 
said  to  him  that  he  had  a  commission  for  him  in  his  pocket 
as  lieutenant-colonel  and  asked  if  he  would  accept  it ;  to 
which  he  replied,  that  up  to  that  time  he  had  had  no  idea  of 
going  with  the  regiment,  but  would  consult  with  his  family 
about  the  matter  and  give  them  an  answer  the  next  morning. 

On  the  morning  of  the  2gth  of  August  he  formally 
accepted  the  commission  and  was  mustered  into  the  United 
States  Service  on  the  3<Dth  of  August,  the  day  the  regiment 
left  for  the  field ;  serving  from  that  time  until  December 
I4th,  1864,  when  his  resignation  was  accepted. 

The  record  of  Colonel  Crandell,  even  more  markedly  than 
that  of  other  officers,  could  not  be  placed  on  a  page  by  itself. 


256       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

It  is  interwoven  in  all  the  history  of  the  regiment.  He  was 
first  to  lay  moulding  hand  upon  our  men  at  Camp  Hal- 
leek,  Troy,  N.  Y.,  and  prepared  the  material  for  Colonel 
Willard's  leadership.  In  the  early  history  of  the  regiment, 
when  for  a  time  Colonel  Willard  was  called  away  on  impor 
tant  duty  at  Washington,  the  men  came  anew  under  Colonel 
Crandell's  training;  and,  again,  did  he  favor  the  subsequent 
leadership  of  Colonel  Willard.  And  when  the  latter  was 
finally  taken  from  the  command  of  the  regiment,  (to  which 
he  would  never  have  returned,  for  he  doubtless  would  there 
after  have  served  in  position,  and  with  rank  of  General)  the 
men  came  again  into  hands  not  unfamiliar;  and  they  gave 
to  the  new  commander  a  devotion  which  at  once  reflected 
credit  upon  him  and  upon  one  who  had  taught  them  the 
soldier's  duty  of  prompt  obedience  to  those  in  authority. 

Colonel  Crandell  proved  himself  a  manly  man.  He  was 
just  to  all.  He  was  calm  in  battle,  never  losing  presence  of 
mind ;  skillful  in  using  advantages  for  effective  work  that 
presented  themselves.  He  served  with  us  from  Troy  to  Mor 
ton's  Ford — after  which  he  was  sent,  with  a  detail  of  officers 
and  men,  by  the  Government,  to  Troy,  N.  Y.,  on  recruiting 
service.  Returning  to  the  regiment  at  the  North  Anna,  he 
was  on  duty,  with  the  exception  of  the  few  days  he  was  ab 
sent  wounded,  until  all  the  hard  service  of  the  summer  of 
1864  was  completed.  Later  he  was  employed  by  the  Wash 
ington  authorities  on  important  duty  in  various  parts  of  the 
country.  He  was  compelled  near  the  close  of  the  year  to 
yield  to  reasons  for  his  renewed  resignation  that  had  long 
been  urging  themselves  upon  him.  The  reasons  were  out 
side  of  himself  and  were  by  him  earnestly  resisted.  The 
writer  knows  that  the  attitude  of  Colonel  Crandell's  mind 
all  along  had  been,  that  only  serious  wounds,  or  reasons  that 
would  be  worthy  of  him  as  a  man  and  as  a  patriot  should 
take  him  from  the  service  so  long  as  the  country  needed  him. 
But,  home  conditions  laid  an  imperative  hand  upon  him,  and 
he  reluctantly  shea.thed  a  sword  on  which  was  never  a  stain 
of  dishonor.  The  estimation  in  which  he  was  held  in  the 


COLONEL  CRANDELL.  257 

regiment  found  expression  in  words  spoken  at  the  time,  in 
words  written  home,  in  words  published  in  the  press  ;  and  in 
the  ready  following  the  men  yielded  to  him  in  time  of  dan 
ger.  The  estimation  in  which  he  was  held  by  his  superior 
officers  was  traced  in  the  lines  penned  on  his  resignation, 
when  this  was  first  presented  and  was  refused.  They  read: 
"  Colonel  Crandell  is  a  faithful  officer  and  would  not  send  in 
his  resignation  unless  he  had  good  reasons  for  doing  so." 
"  Colonel  Crandell  is  too  good  an  officer  to  be  spared  from 
the  service  at  such  a  time  as  this.  His  application  is  disap 
proved."  "  Colonel  Crandell's  resignation  can  by  no  means 
be  accepted." 

As  an  illustration  of  his  courage  and  bearing:  when  at 
Strawberry  Plains,  in  command  of  the  brigade,  as  a  part  of 
this  made  repeated  charges — in  a  fight  lasting  from  half-past 
ten  in  the  morning  until  late  in  the  evening — he  was  in  the 
saddle  all  the  time,  directing  and  inciting,  except  as  he  dis 
mounted  to  creep  up  near  the  enemy  to  better  determine 
their  position.  Three  times  was  he  shot  at  while  seeking  to 
reach  one  of  our  men  wounded  at  the  extreme  front  of  the 
fighting.  A  high  place  is  properly  assigned  Colonel  Levin 
Crandell  in  these  historic  records. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

PROMOTIONS — APPROACHING  THE  END. 

WE  now  gather  up  some  threads  in  our  regimental  his 
tory — threads  by  no  means  light — before  tracing  the 
last  campaign  of  the  war. 

One  officer  had  been  missed  from  the  regiment  from  the 
latter  part  of  May,  1864;  but  he  with  other  officers  had  been 
employed  by  the  Government  on  special  duty  in  Washington. 
He  was  Captain  George  E.  Lemon,  of  whom  repeated  record 
is  found  in  the  pages  of  this  history.  He  was  one  of  the 
original  captains  of  the  regiment,  having  in  connection  with 
Lieutenants  Newcomb  and  Stevens  recruited  G  Company. 
He  was  one  of  the  youngest  captains  in  the  regiment ;  lithe 
of  form,  quick  of  movement  and  speech,  brave  and  skillful 
in  battle,  unwilling  to  withdraw  from  the  field  even  when 
severely  wounded.  After  Bristoe,  he  returned  to  his  com 
mand  just  before  the  opening  of  the  Wilderness  Campaign, 
but  he  was  really  unfit  for  service,  as  his  wound  was  still 
painful  because  of  the  unextracted  bullet  in  his  leer.  It  was 
difficult  for  him  to  walk  ;  and  his  return  to  duty  was  contrary 
to  the  judgment  and  advice  of  his  friends  in  the  regiment. 
In  the  battles  of  the  Wilderness  he  displayed  qualities  which 
would  have  led  to  his  speedy  promotion ;  but  the  roughness 
of  the  ground  and  the  hard  marching  rendered  him  unfit  for 
duty  at  the  front,  and  he  was  sent  to  Washington,  there  to 
serve  with  other  officers,  like  himself,  rendered  unfit  by 
reason  of  wounds  from  active  campaigning.  His  retirement 
from  duty  at  the  front  was  a  great  loss  to  the  entire  regiment. 
At  the  close  of  the  war  he  gave  himself  to  the  business  of 


CAPTAIN  GEORGE  E.  LEMON. 


CAPTAIN   GEORGE   E.  LEMON. 

From  recent  Photograph. 


CAPTAIN   LEMON.  259 

attending  to  the  claims  of  officers  and  enlisted  men,  with  the 
result  that  up  to  the  present  over  one  hundred  million  dol 
lars  have  passed  through  his  hands,  collected  for  men 
entitled  to  Government  aid.  He  has  conducted  a  large 
business,  and  at  the  present  writing  employs  nearly  two 
hundred  clerks.  He  has  conquered  success  in  business  by 
his  financial  ability,  his  indomitable  pluck,  his  unstained 
integrity,  and  an  unflagging  attention  to  business.  The 
soldiers  of  the  Union  are  largely  indebted  to  him  for  the  best 
pension  legislation  on  the  statute  books  of  the  Nation.  He 
is  the  full  owner  of  the  National  Tribune,  the  National 
soldier's  organ,  ranking  in  ability  and  circulation  with  the 
best  journals  of  the  land. 

It  has  ever  been  to  Captain  Lemon  a  source  of  regret 
that  his  wounds  prevented  his  remaining  at  the  front  to> 
share  with  the  regiment  in  all  of  its  fortunes.  But  the  facts 
already  given  made  such  a  stay  impracticable.  After  lead 
ing  the  regiment  in  battles  of  the  Wilderness  he  was  sent  to 
Washington,  where  he  reported  to  Dr.  Antisell,  who  was  in 
charge  of  wounded  officers  of  volunteers.  The  following  is  a 
description  of  the  wound  that  disabled  him,  as  then  recorded. 
The  ball  took  effect  in  the  right  leg,  three  inches  below  the 
knee  joint,  passing  down  and  lodging  between  the  bones  of 
the  leg,  from  which  place  it  could  not  be  extracted.  After 
Dr.  Antisell  had  examined  the  wound,  probing  for  the  ball, 
he  decided  it  would  be  unsafe  to  withdraw  the  missile,  the 
leg  in  the  interval  of  two  days  having  become  so  swollen  and 
being  in  such  an  inflamed  condition.  He  was  therefore  fur- 
loughed,  going  North  and  remaining  several  months.  Then 
he  reported  to  the  regiment,  as  recorded  in  this  history  in  con 
nection  with  the  account  of  the  Wilderness  campaign.  But 
his  Bristoe  wound  necessitated  the  surgeon  to  send  him  to 
the  hospital  for  officers  at  Annapolis.  While  there  he  was 
ordered  by  Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War,  to  serve 
as  a  member  of  a  Military  Commission  and  General  Court 
Martial,  convened  at  Washington,  D.  C,  and  he  was  retained 
on  said  Commission  until  the  close  of  the  war.  The  above 


260      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y  S.  VOLS. 

Commission  was  composed  entirely  of  officers  so  disabled  by 
wounds  as  not  to  be  able  to  perform  service  in  the  field.  A 
recommendation  by  the  commanding  officer  of  the  regiment 
that  Captain  Lemon  be  promoted  to  the  position  of  lieuten 
ant-colonel  was  rendered  futile  by  his  continued  inability  to 
perform  service  in  the  field.  He  was  honorably  discharged, 
May  1 5th,  '65,  on  account  of  wounds  and  the  close  of  the  war. 

Captain  Lemon  is  by  birth  a  New  York  State  man.  He 
was  born  in  1843,  an<^  was  therefore  only  nineteen  years  of 
age  when  made  captain  of  G  Company,  which  was  raised 
under  the  order  of  Governor  E.  D.  Morgan,  authorizing  the 
issue  of  a  captain's  commission  to  any  man  who  should  raise 
a  full  company  of  105  men.  His  childhood  was  spent  in 
Onondaga  County,  New  York.  When  the  war  broke  out 
he  was  a  student,  in  the  sophomore  class,  in  the  Troy  (N.  Y. ) 
University.  He  was  an  intimate  friend  of  General  John  A. 
Logan,  who  headed  the  columns  of  Grant  as  they  entered 
Vicksburg.  It  was  truly  said  of  General  Logan,  just  after 
his  lamentable  death,  in  the  report  made  in  Congress  by 
a  part  of  the  Committee  on  Invalid  Pensions  He  "  was 
one  of  the  most  distinguished,  if  not  the  most  distinguished 
volunteer  general  of  our  late  war."  "  No  man  gave  his  coun 
try  greater  measure  of  service  in  her  hour  of  supreme  peril, 
and  few  gave  as  great."  "  His  wounds  received  and  disabil 
ities  incurred  in  time  of  war,  and  his  continued  sufferings 
therefrom  during  all  the  years  since,  even  to  the  last  days  of 
his  fatal  illness,  are  facts  of  such  common  acceptance  as  to 
make  it  reasonably  certain  that  his  death  was  the  direct  re 
sult  of  his  military  service." 

Captain  Lemon  not  only  started  the  movement  to  raise  a 
fund  for  the  widow  of  his  friend  General  Logan — a  fund  to 
which  he  was  first  to  contribute  largely,  and  which  reached 
the  large  sum  of  sixty-four  thousand  dollars — but  he  is  favor 
ing,  through  the  National  Tribune,  the  erection  of  a  monu 
ment  to  the  dead  general  to  be  located  in  Washington.  The 
soldiers  have  had  few  better  friends  than  Captain  Lemon. 

When,  left  with   that  detail  of  men   from  the  brigade  at 


COLONEL  HYDE.  26l 

Centreville,  Va.,  in  the  Gettysburg  campaign,  he  obeyed  or 
ders  in  applying  the  torch  to  vast  quantities  of  commissary 
and  quartermaster  stores,  including  new  clothing  and  im 
mense  supplies  of  all  kinds,  he  performed  a  reluctant  duty; 
but  since  the  war  he  has  given  willing  and  incessant  labor  to 
benefit  the  men  who  served  their  country  in  its  hour  of  need. 
Before  the  last  campaign  of  the  war,  Colonel  Joseph  Hyde 
came  into  command  of  the  regiment.  He  is  an  example  of 
that  promotion  which  came  to  the  faithful  volunteer  officer 


COLONEL  JOSEPH  HYDE. 

and  soldier.  He  was  at  the  first  a  lieutenant  in  H  Company, 
and  rose  from  rank  to  rank  until,  after  Colonel  Crandell's 
resignation,  an  eagle  decked  his  shoulders.  Colonel  Hyde 
was  born  in  Washington  County,  New  York,  June  5th,  1821. 
He  lived  at  home  on  a  farm  until  the  age  of  seventeen.  He 
then  learned  the  blacksmith  trade,  which  he  followed  for 
several  years,  after  which  time  he  gave  his  attention  to  a 
machinist's  trade  and  engineering.  He  superintended  the 
construction  of  several  public  and  private  works.  For  the 
few  years  immediately  preceding  the  war,  he  was  superin 
tendent  in  Troy  of  the  safe  works  of  Lillie,  the  pioneer  in 
this  branch  of  industry.  While  in  the  service  of  the  country 
he  served  in  the  responsible  position  of  inspector-general  on 


262       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

the  staffs  of  Generals  Alexander  Hays,  Joshua  T.  Owen,  and 
C.  D.  McDougall.  His  commission  as  captain  came  to  him 
after  the  lamented  death  of  Captain  Ephraim  Wood.  At 
Spottsylvania  he  was  promoted  to  major  and  assigned  the 
command  of  the  Thirty-ninth  New  York  Volunteers.  While 
in  front  of  Petersburg,  he  was  commissioned  lieutenant- 
colonel,  and  later — as  already  mentioned — he  was  made  col 
onel  and  took  command  of  his  old  regiment.  He  was  with. 


CAPTAIN   WILLIAM   BLAIR. 

the  regiment  in  all  of  its  battles  and  skirmishes,  except  when 
he  was  in  command  of  the  Garibaldis.  When  inspector- 
general,  he  was  in  the  same  engagements  with  our  regiment. 
He  had  the  honor,  as  later  will  more  fully  appear,  of  leading 
the  regiment  in  its  victorious  trip  homewards.  Writing  of 
Colonel  Hyde,  while  the  observation  of  his  leadership  was 
yet  fresh  before  the  writer,  the  words  were  penned :  "  He 
has  been  cool,  careful,  brave  and  able." 


CAPTAIN  CLARKSON. 


263 


Honorable  mention  is  here  made  of  a  group  of  young 
officers  who  came  to  the  front  ere  the  war  closed.  Some  of 
them  received  their  commissions  and  were  mustered  the  night 
before  the  beginning  of  the  last  campaign.  Of  the  number 
was  Lieutenant  William  Blair.  Record  was  made  at  the 
time  and  is  repeated  here  of  the  soldierly  merit  of  this  officer, 
who  was  with  the  regiment  in  all  of  its  service  and  hardship, 
and  for  whom,  not  the  writer  alone,  but  all  who  knew  his 
fidelity  and  worth  entertained  a  high  regard. 


CAPTAIN    FRANCIS   CLARKSON. 


Another  of  the  group  was  Lieutenant  Francis  Clarkson, 
who  was  later  commissioned  as  Captain.  He  was  born  at 
Poughkeepsie,  New  York,  August  I2th,  1834.  He  passed 
his  school  days  in  that  place.  In  March,  1854,  he  moved  to 
New  York  to  learn  the  trade  of  an  iron-moulder.  In  1861  he 
moved  to  Troy,  New  York.  He  enlisted  as  a  private  in  B 
Company  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  ;  and  made 
his  way,  by  fidelity  in  camp  and  on  battlefield,  to  a  line- 


264       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

officer's  position.  He  was  with  the  regiment  in  all  of  its 
engagements,  except  when  for  a  short  time  he  was  at  home 
on  "  leave  of  absence." 

We  place  also  on  distinct  record  the  names  and  services  of 
Lieutenant  Henry  E.  Herring,  Captain  Edward  C.  Jackson, 
Lieutenant  Robert  E.  Myer,  Captain  James  L.  Tilley,  Lieu 
tenant  Martin  V.  B.  Mattison,  Captain  George  W.  Pettit, 
Lieutenant  Edward  L.  Shaw,  Lieutenant  James  L.  Smith, 
Lieutenant  Charles  E.  Sweet,  Lieutenant  David  E.  White, 


LIEUTENANT  HENRY  E.   HERRING. 

Lieutenant  William  H.  Evans  and  Lieutenant  Charles  Bates. 
Of  the  last  two  the  writer  has  failed  to  secure  a  detailed 
sketch,  but  of  their  valor  and  good  service  he  has  the  most 
lively  and  pleasant  remembrances.  They  were  both  true 
men  and  brave  soldiers ;  and,  like  others,  made  their  way 
from  the  ranks  to  positions  of  responsibility  and  to  honor 
able  rank  by  their  good  conduct  as  soldiers. 

Lieutenant  Henry  E.  Herring  was  one  of  the  few  men  of 
the   regiment   who,   always   at    his   post   of    duty,   with  the 


CAPTAIN  JACKSON. 


265 


regiment  in  all  of  its  battles  and  in  all  of  its  hardships, 
was  known  as  among  "  the  bravest  of  the  brave,"  yet  never 
received  a  wound.  He  bears  until  now  the  deepest  sense  of 
gratitude  to  that  Divine  Providence  which  shielded  him  com 
pletely  in  all  hours  of  peril.  He  was  born  near  Troy,  New 
York,  in  1837.  He  was  doubly  orphaned  before  he  reached 
the  age  of  ten.  From  this  time  he  waged  the  battle  of  life 
alone,  and  brought  the  discipline  of  his  early  struggle  into 
army  life.  The  regiment  had  no  member  more  deserving 
of  honorable  mention. 


CAPTAIN  EDWARD  C.  JACKSON. 

Captain  Edward  C.  Jackson  was  born  December  iothr 
1844,  at  Columbus,  Georgia;  but  of  Northern  parents,  his 
mother  being  a  daughter  of  Amos  Allen  of  Troy,  N.  Y.,  well- 
known  in  the  earlier  days  of  this  city.  Captain  Jackson  be 
came  a  resident  of  Troy  in  1855.  Early  in  August,  1862,  he 
enlisted  in  K  Company,  I2th  Vermont  Infantry,  organized 
at  Rutland,  Vermont.  This  regiment  was  a  nine  months  or 
ganization.  It  performed  its  first  service  where  the  One 
Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  was  on  duty  after  its  return  to 


266      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  YOLS. 

Virginia  from  Chicago.  At  that  time  Captain  Jackson  be 
came  acquainted  with  the  regiment  in  which  he  afterwards 
served  until  the  close  of  the  war.  While  in  the  I2th  Ver 
mont,  he  participated  with  the  First  Corps  in  the  battle  of 
Gettysburg.  His  brigade  was  "  Stannard's,"  which  did  so 
effective  service  in  the  "  pinch  "  of  the  battle  on  the  last  day 
at  Gettysburg,  when  Pickett's  Division  was  crushed.  His 
regiment  was  mustered  out,  July  I4th,  1863.  In  February, 
1864,  he  re-enlisted,  this  time  in  A  Company  of  our  regiment. 
He  joined  the  regiment  when  this  was  at  Stevensburg.  He 


CAPTAIN  JAMES  L.   TILLEY. 

was  made  a  sergeant  May  2/th,  1864;  was  commissioned 
first  lieutenant  December  5th,  1864;  and  was  promoted  to 
be  captain  March  28th,  1865.  He  came  home  with  the  reg 
iment.  From  the  time  he  joined  this,  he  never  missed  a  sin 
gle  engagement  in  which  the  regiment  took  part.  While  we 
were  in  Fort  Steadman  he  was  absent  for  one  week,  sick  in 
hospital ;  but,  learning  that  the  regiment  was  under  marching 
orders,  he  rolled  up  his  blankets  and  joined  his  company  and 
remained  at  his  post.  The  writer  has  the  most  positive 
memories  of  Captain  Jackson's  cheerful  service,  and  uni 
formly  brave  bearing.  None  found  a  place  nearer  the  enemy 


CAPTAIN  JACKSON.  267 

than  did  he.  His  hopefulness  led  him  to  speak  of  such  a 
battle  as  Ream's  Station  as  a  "little  skirmish."  Since  the 
war  he  has  resided,  for  the  most  part,  at  the  West ;  spending 
two  years  in  Omaha  and  Nebraska,  and  living,  with  a  de 
voted  wife,  five  years  on  a  prairie  farm.  In  1875  he  was 
elected  county  clerk  of  Washington  County,  Nebraska,  and 
was  re-elected  in  1877.  He  was  also  clerk  of  the  district 
court  during  these  four  years.  In  1877  he  was  admitted  to 
the  bar  as  attorney  at  law,  and  practiced  a  year  or  two  in 
connection  with  abstracting;  of  titles  to  real  estate.  In  1880 


LIEUTENANT  ROBERT   E.  MYER. 


he  became  deputy  treasurer,  serving  three  terms  of  two 
years  each.  In  the  Autumn  of  1886  he  was  elected  treas 
urer.  If  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  was  honored  in 
its  members  during  the  war,  it  has  been  also  honored  in  the 
service  of  many  of  them  since  the  close  of  the  Rebellion. 

Captain  James  L.  Tilley  was  a  farmer's  son,  living  on  a 
farm  until  he  was  17  years  of  age,  when  he  moved  to  Troy, 
New  York,  where  he  was  employed  in  the  confectionery 
establishment  of  N.  H.  Clarkson.  At  the  age  of  18  he  enlisted 
in  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth,  and  by  his  quiet,. 


268      ONE  HUNDRED  AND   TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

steadfast  fidelity  to  duty  he  rose,  step  by  step,  to  a  foremost 
place  in  the  regiment.  In  addition  to  his  other  commission, 
he  was  granted  that  of  a  major;  but  on  this  last  commission 
he  did  not  muster. 

Second  Lieutenant  Robert  Emmet  Myer,  son  of  Robert 
R.  L.  Myer,  a  soldier  of  the  war  of  1812,  was  born  in  Hudson, 
New  York,  December  9,  1825.  He  moved  with  his  parents 
to  Troy,  New  York,  in  1827.  He  is  the  survivor  of  four 
brothers  who  served  in  the  late  war :  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Aaron  Bennett  Myer,  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth 


LIEUTENANT  M.   V.    B.   MATTISON. 


N.  Y.  Vols.,  Captain  Charles  F.  Myer,  of  Company  A,  Ninety- 
third  N.  Y.  Vols.,  and  Thomas  T.  B.  Myer,  of  Company  K, 
Ninety-third  N.  Y.  Vols. 

He  enlisted  as  private  in  Company  B  of  the  One  Hundred 
and  Twenty-fifth,  at  the  formation  of  the  regiment,  and  was 
promoted  to  fifth  sergeant,  August  27,  1862.  He  served 
with  the  regiment  until  May  6,  1864.  He  was  taken  prisoner 
in  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness  on  that  day.  He  was  kept 
at  Andersonville  and  Florence  until  December  Qth.  He 
was  paroled  in  Charleston,  S.  C.,  and  was  exchanged  at 


LIEUTENANT  MATTISON.  269 

Annapolis,  March  26,  1865.  He  joined  the  regiment  at 
Burke's  Station,  and  was  promoted  to  second  lieutenant, 
February  28,  1865.  He  was  mustered  out  with  the  regiment. 

Lieutenant  M.  V.  B.  Mattison  was  born  in  Peterboro, 
New  York,  March  I4th,  1839.  He  was  another  of  our 
number  who  was  "  brought  up"  on  a  farm  ;  devoting  time  to 
study,  and  becoming  fitted  to  teach.  He  moved  to  Troy  in 
1862,  and  soon  enlisted.  He  served  at  first  as  corporal,  but 
was  promoted  to  be  sergeant-major  of  the  regiment,  which 
was  only  next  to  a  lieutenant's  position.  He  afterwards 
received  a  commission  as  first  lieutenant.  He  was  with  the 
regiment  at  Harper's  Ferry,  Gettysburg,  Morton's  Ford, 
Wilderness,  Po  River,  Spottsylvania,  Petersburg,  Boydton 
Plank  Road,  and  in  the  closing  engagements  of  the  war. 
Lieutenant  Mattison  was  a  true  Christian  soldier  and  merited 
promotion  sooner  than  this  came  to  him. 

Record  is  gladly  made,  also,  of  Captain  George  \V.  Pettit, 
who  was  one  of  the  primmest,  bravest,  little  soldiers  that 
ever  buckled  sword.  He  was  born  at  Hoosick,  Rensselaer 
County,  New  York,  January  3 1st,  1844.  He  moved  to  Troy 
in  1861,  and  entered  the  servive  of  his  country  August  I3th, 
1862.  He  enlisted  as  a  private  in  G  Company,  and  was 
appointed  corporal  May  15,  1863;  he  was  promoted  to 
orderly-sergeant  February  i8th,  1864  ;  and  was  commissioned 
second  lieutenant  September  2oth,  1864,  receiving  promotion 
to  first  lieutenant  November  28th,  of  that  year.  He  acted  as 
adjutant  of  the  regiment  for  a  time  when  this  was  on  duty 
in  front  of  Petersburg.  His  final  promotion  was  to  captain 
of  H  Company,  his  last  commission  dating  March  1st,  1865. 
In  this  position  he  completed  his  term  of  service.  He  took 
part  with  the  regiment  in  the  engagements  at  Harper's 
Ferry,  Gettysburg,  Auburn,  Bristoe,  Robertson's  Tavern, 
Mine  Run,  Morton's  Ford,  Petersburg,  Jerusalem  Plank 
Road,  Deep  Bottom,  Strawberry  Plains,  Ream's  Station,  and 
in  the  closing  battles  of  the  war.  The  record  made  of 
Captain  Pettit's  valor  and  good  service,  as  of  the  valor  and 
good  conduct  of  other  officers  and  enlisted  men,  is  not  an 


2/0      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

afterthought,  penned  only  in  view  of  this  history ;  but 
distinct  record  was  made  of  the  courage  displayed,  and  the 
ability  and  fidelity  manifested,  while  yet  these  were  matters 
of  observation.  From  that  war  record  even  more  largely 
than  from  memory,  are  drawn  the  lines  now  traced  in  their 
honor. 


CAPTAIN    GEORGE  \V.    1'ETTIT. 

Lieutenant  Edward  L.  Shaw  was  born  in  Troy,  New  York, 
February  2Oth,  1847.  HC  was  one  of  the  youngest  men  in 
the  regiment.  He  came  to  this  in  January,  1864,  having  en 
listed  during  the  previous  month.  He  was  promoted  quar 
termaster's  sergeant ;  and  ere  the  war  closed  was  commis 
sioned  first  lieutenant. 

Lieutenant  David  H.  Brainerd  occupied  an  honorable 
place  in  the  regards  of  his  comrades,  with  whom  he  long 


LIEUTENANT  WHITE.  2/1 

served  in  the  ranks ;  and  who  cheerfully  followed  the  lead  of 
one  in  whom  they  had  learned  to  place  full  confidence  as  a 
careful,  true,  and  brave  man. 

Lieutenant  David  E.  White  was  born  in  the  town  of  Nas 
sau,  Rensselaer  County,  New  York,  January  23,  1828.  Af 
ter  learning  a  trade  he  went  to  California  in  1850,  and  worked 
in  a  gold  mine  until  1853.  He  then  went  to  Australia  and 
worked  there  in  the  gold  mines  until  1857,  when  he  returned 
home  via  London,  England.  He  reached  home  July  3d, 
1857,  and  was  married  July  26th  of  the  same  year.  He  en- 


LIEUTENANT  EDWARD  L.  SHAW. 

listed  in  E  Company  of  our  regiment,  and  was  made  second 
sergeant.  At  Centreville,  Virginia,  in  May  1863,  he  was  pro 
moted  to  be  commissary  sergeant.  On  April  22d,  1864,  he 
received  a  commission  as  second  lieutenant,  and  was  assigned 
to  H  Company.  He  had  command  of  this  company  during 
the  charge  of  June  i6th,  and  was  promoted  to  first  lieuten 
ant  on  July  2Oth,  1864.  On  the  I3th  of  August  he  was  de 
tailed  as  quartermaster  of  the  regiment,  in  which  position- 
as  in  all  the  positions  he  had  previously  filled — he  served 


2/2         ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOL. 

faithfully.  He  continued  in  the  position  of  quartermaster 
until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  in  the  battles  of  Harper's 
Ferry,  Gettysburg,  Auburn,  Bristoe,  Mitchell's  Ford,  Locust 
Grove,  Mine  Run,  Morton's  Ford,  Wilderness,  Po  River, 
Spottsylvania,  May  I2th  and  iSth,  Totopotomoy,  and  Pe 
tersburg,  June  i6th,  2ist  and  22d.  Lieutenant  White  bears 
grateful  memory  that  in  the  log  chapel  at  Stevensburg,  Vir 
ginia,  he  enlisted  for  life  under  the  banner  of  the  Cross. 
Lieutenant  Charles  E.  Sweet  was  born  in  Petersburg, 


LIEUTENANT  DAVID  H.  BRAINERD. 

Renselaer  County,  New  York,  June  nth,  1842.  He  there 
resided  on  a  farm  until  twenty  years  of  age.  He  enlisted  as 
a  private  in  A  Company  August  I2th,  1862,  and  was  made 
a  corporal  before  leaving  Troy.  He  was  with  the  regiment 
at  Harper's  Ferry,  and,  at  Gettysburg,  he  saw  Colonel  Wil- 
lard  when  the  latter  fell  dead  from  his  horse.  He  aided  Cap 
tain  Sheldon  from  the  field  when  this  officer  was  wounded 
on  the  skirmish-line  in  the  same  battle  on  the  third  of  July. 
He  was  soon  promoted  to  be  sergeant  and  was  on  duty  at 
Morton's  Ford.  In  that  memorable  charge  on  the  I2th  of 


LIEUTENANT  DAVID  B.  WHITE. 


273 


May  at  Spottsylvania,  he  was  in  the  first  line.  He  helped  to 
tear  away  the  abatis  before  the  enemy's  line  and  was  one  of 
the  first  to  mount  their  works.  While  on  the  works  he  wras 
struck  with  a  minie  ball  in  the  leg.  He  was  taken  prisoner 
in  the  afternoon ;  but,  not  being  able  to  walk,  was  left  on 
the  field.  This  remaining  in  our  possession  at  the  close  of 
the  battle,  he  was,  later,  picked  up  by  the  Union  ambulance 


LIEUTENANT  DAVID  B.  WHITE. 

corps,  and  was  sent  to  Washington,  afterwards  being  trans 
ferred  to  hospital  at  Fort  Schuyler,  New  York.  Recovering 
from  his  wound,  he  rejoined  the  regiment  in  front  of  Peters 
burg.  At  this  time  he  received  a  first  lieutenant's  commis 
sion.  In  the  last  campaign  of  the  war,  next  to  be  narrated, 
he  captured  a  sword,  for  which  he,  with  others  who  had  cap 
tured  side-arms,  was  summoned  before  the  brigade-general 
and  complimented  for  his  valor. 


274       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

James  L.  Smith  was  another  of  the  brave  men  who  was 
honored  ere  the  war  closed  with  a  lieutenant's  commission. 
He  was  twice  wounded — once  at  Auburn,  and  the  second 
time  in  the  last  campaign  of  the  war.  The  writer  remembers 
the  noble  conduct  of  this  officer  on  battlefield,  and  inscribes 
an  honest  word  of  testimony  in  his  favor.  That  his  face  does 
not  appear  on  these  pages  is  a  matter  of  regret. 

The  last  adjutant  was  Lieutenant  James  H.  Hatch,  who 


LIEUTENANT  CHARLES  E.   SWEET. 


was,  for  his  service,  justly  entitled  to  the  promotion  which 
came  to  him. 

It  may  be  thought  that  undue  prominence  is  given  in  this 
history  to  the  commissioned  officers.  But  a  second  thought 
will  dispel  any  such  conclusion.  For  it  will  be  noticed,  that 
most  of  the  officers  who  served  with  us  in  the  battles  of  the 
war  were  really  enlisted  men  promoted.  To  record  their 
service  is  to  give  the  history  of  men  who  joined  the  regiment 
with  scarcely  an  expectation  of  future'  advancement.  Had 
the  war  longer  continued,  other  names  would  doubtless  have 


ADJUTANT  HATCH.  2/5 

come  to  the  front,  for  there  were  others — not  a  few — capable 
of  wielding  an  officer's  sword.  The  success  of  the  officers 
and  of  the  enlisted  men  was  mutual,  and  the  honor  of  one  is 
the  honor  of  the  other.  Had  it  been  possible  to  pen  the  full 
record  of  every  man  who  at  any  time  served  well  in  the  One 
Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth,  that  record  would  freely  and 
gladly  have  been  here  made,  and  place  would  willingly  have 
been  given  to  an  engraving  of  each  man's  face.  As  one 
who  mingled  daily  with  the  men,  and  who  heard  them  speak 
freely  of  one  another  and  of  their  officers,  he  places  on  record 


ADJUTANT   JAMES  H.    HATCH 

the  fact  that  he  never  heard  an  enlisted  man  called  by  his 
comrades  or  spoken  of  by  these  as  a  coward.  There  may  have 
been  a  few  who  managed  to  get  to  the  rear  before  battles 
began,  but  they  were  the  great  exceptions.  If  many  of  the 
men,  under  mistaken  judgment  of  their  rights,  left  the  regi 
ment  at  Chicago,  this  history  in  its  closest  reading  will  fail  to 
disclose  desertions  to  the  enemy.  And,  of  the  many  officers 
who  served  the  regiment  in  all  of  its  history,  only  one  or  two 
failed  to  endure  the  test  of  severest  battles.  One  who  called 
himself  a  coward  was  alone  in  this  judgment  of  himself. 
Those  who  knew  him  best  never  believed  that  his  self- 
accusation  was  true.  One  of  our  brave  men  twice  wounded, 


2/6       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

once  at  Spottsylvania  and  the  second  time  at  Hatcher's  Run, 
was  William  Keleher,  of  C  Company. 

Between  the  engagements  of  1864  and  the  last  campaign, 
came  an  exciting  experience  on  the  25th  of  March,  1865. 
We  were  aroused  early  in  the  morning,  and  brought  into 
line.  Word  reached  us  of  Lee's  desperate  attempt  at  Fort 
Steadman,  and  of  what  might  be  expected  of  us.  We  were 
marched  beyond  the  earthworks  between  the  two  lines,  and 
invited  assault.  The  Irish  Brigade  was  placed  at  the  front. 
The  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  was  moved  for  a  time 
to  and  fro  in  rear  of  the  front  line,  and  was  then  placed  in 


WILLIAM   KELEHER. 

support  of  a  battery.  As  this  opened  fire,  a  reply  speedily 
came.  One  solid  shot  struck  on  the  extreme  left  of  our  line, 
instantly  killing  one  man — whose  head  was  nearly  carried 
away.  Another  man  was  mortally  wounded,  his  back  being 
broken.  The  chief  casualties  of  that  March  day  were  in  the 
Irish  Brigade.  Right  nobly  did  they  fight,  standing  up  to 
the  work  without  any  shelter,  and  fighting  unflinchingly. 

The  time  was  at  hand  for  the  last  decisive  blows  to  be 
struck  by  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  That  rebel  assault  at 
Fort  Steadman,  intended  to  accomplish  much,  did  not  has 
ten  by  one  day,  nor  retard  by  one  day,  General  Grant's  plans. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

THE    LAST  CAMPAIGN. 

WE  come  now  to  the  closing  scenes  of  the  war,  and  of 
this  regimental  history,  which  began  not  at  the  be 
ginning  of  this  great  struggle,  but  ends  with  its  triumph. 

Marching  orders  came  to  us  on  the  afternoon  of  the  28th 
of  March,  1865.  We  broke  camp  on  the  morning  of  the 
29th,  and  marched  to  the  left,  crossing  Hatcher's  Run  and 
taking  up  position  a  few  miles  beyond.  About  the  middle 
of  the  afternoon,  we  passed  over  our  earthworks  in  line  of 
battle,  and  moved  several  miles  through  the  woods,  with 
every  expectation  of  making  a  charge.  At  night  a  line  was 
established  with  considerable  difficulty,  the  men  being  moved 
hither  and  thither,  backwards  and  forwards,  for  a  long  time. 
When  the  line  was  formed,  rude  breastworks  of  logs  were 
thrown  up,  and  the  men  laid  down  to  rest  as  best  they  could 
in  the  severe  storm  that  set  in  after  dark  and  prevailed 
during  the  night,  the  next  day,  and  a  part  of  the  morning  of 
the  3 1  st.  We  moved  forward  again  in  line  of  battle  early  on 
the  morning  of  the  3Oth,  through  the  woods  which  were  ren 
dered  almost  impassable  by  thick  underbrush  and  numerous 
swamps — if  anything,  surpassing  in  denseness  and  difficul 
ties  the  woods  of  the  Wilderness  and  in  the  vicinity  of  Spott- 
sylvania.  Extreme  carefulness  characterized  all  of  our  move 
ments  on  the  first  days  of  this  campaign,  the  lines  being  fre 
quently  halted  and  dressed,  and  breastworks  being  thrown 
up  every  few  hundred  yards.  Such  moving  was  slow,  but  it 
rendered  the  men  cool,  kept  them  in  readiness  for  action, 
and  inspired  them  with  confidence  in  their  officers,  who,  in 


2/8     ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

various  ways,  gained  the  special  respect  and  goodwill  of  the 
men.  Our  line  officers  and  enlisted  men  never  entertained 
better  opinions  of  our  general  officers  than  they  did  at  that 
time,  all  of  these  seeming  to  work  together  carefully,  har 
moniously  and  earnestly — if  with  some  lawful  reference  to 
their  own  honor,  yet  for  the  good  of  our  common  cause,  and 
a  speedy  close  of  the  war.  Some  sharp  fighting  was  done  a 
short  distance  to  our  left,  during  the  afternoon  of  the  3Oth. 
Early  on  the  morning  of  the  3ist,  we  were  moved  a  short 
distance,  relieving  troops  that  connected  with  us  directly 
to  the  left.  About  half-past  ten  o'clock,  the  storm  already 
mentioned  ceased,  and  almost  immediately  after  this,  severe 


LINE  OF  REBEL  RETREAT. 


fighting  commenced  to  our  left  and  in  front  of  us.  We  were 
soon  moved  over  our  works  in  line  of  battle,  to  join  in  the 
fight.  The  Fifth  Corps  had  broken,  and  just  before  the  or 
der  to  advance  was  given  we  saw  the  men  of  that  corps  fall 
back  through  the  woods  in  our  front. 

Our  brigade  had  not  been  severely  tested  that  Spring. 
A  week  before  it  was  under  fire,  but  not  a  severe  one;  and 
a  good  many  were  now  anxious  as  to  how  it  would  con 
duct  itself  when  the  severest  test  should  be  applied.  But  lit 
tle  fear  was  entertained  of  the  old  soldiers,  but  the  major 
ity  of  our  brigade,  being  recruits,  we  were  fearful  of  these. 
But  every  fear  was  removed  by  the  truly  noble  conduct  of — 
we  may  say — all  of  our  men.  We  fought  almost  on  equal 


HATCHER  S  RUN.  2/Q 

grounds,  although  we  were  the  aggressive  party.  The  rebels 
occupied  the  woods  and  some  open  ground,  when  we  charged 
upon  them,  and  between  us  lay  a  deep  ravine.  But  when 
the  command  was  given  to  move  forward,  there  was  no 
flinching;  our  men  pressed  the  enemy  and  drove  them,  cap 
turing  a  number  of  prisoners  and  a  stand  of  colors.  Not 
content  with  taking  a  good  position  they  still  pressed  for 
ward,  our  regiment  and  others  moving  and  fighting  nobly 
over  the  open  field.  Our  right  was  then  drawn  back  a  short 
distance  to  secure  our  flank,  and  we  then  drove  the  rebels  to 
the  left,  still  bringing  in  prisoners.  Our  regiment  never 
fought  better.  We  withhold  no  honor  from  all  of  our  en 
listed  men  when  we  say  that  their  good  conduct  was  much 
owing  to  the  noble  bearing  of  all  of  our  commissioned  offi 
cers.  We  need  mention  none  in  particular,  as  all — Lieuten 
ant-Colonel  Joseph  Hyde,  and  each  line  officer — led  and  di 
rected  their  men  with  constant  bravery.  We  might  mention 
the  names  of  a  number  of  our  enlisted  men  who  distinguished 
themselves,  but  we  can  only  speak  of  our  color-sergeant, 
Charles  W.  Belknap,  who  received  tbe  admiration  of  all  our 
officers  and  of  the  entire  regiment  for  his  truly  brave  and 
noble  conduct,  holding  up  h'is  colors  without  wavering  during 
the  hottest  of  the  fight,  at  times  more  exposed  than  the  rest, 
and  pressing  forward  in  advance  of  the  regiment  on  the 
charge.  But  where  he  and  all  of  our  officers  led,  the  entire 
regiment  followed,  and  all  deserve  notice  for  their  soldierly 
conduct. 

At  five  minutes  of  nine  o'clock,  on  the  morning  of  the  2d 
inst.,  we  entered  the  rebel  earthworks,  which  had  been  evac 
uated  only  a  short  time  before.  They  gave  us  a  parting 
salute,  in  the  form  of  a  solid  shot,  which  they  sent  into  the 
woods  near  where  we  were.  Our  men  were  very  jubilant 
over  their  bloodless  triumph,  and  gave  vent  to  their  feelings 
in  frequent  cheers.  The  rebels  evidently  left  in  somewhat 
of  a  hurry,  as  some  wall-tents  remained  standing,  and  in  the 
deserted  barracks  Avere  a  large  number  of  their  wounded ; 
also  some  who  had  secreted  themselves  for  the  purpose  of 


280       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

surrendering  to  our  men.  We  partly  hoped  that  they  had 
left  altogether,  yet  the  suspicion  grew  upon  us  that  our  pro 
gress  would  be  disputed  by  at  least  a  rear-guard,  and  we  even 
entertained  fears  that  they  would  seek  to  entrap  us.  The 
skirmish-firing  that  soon  commenced  showed  that  our  sus 
picions  had  some  grounds,  and  before  the  day  closed  they 
were  fully  confirmed.  As  firing  from  musketry  and  artillery 
increased  in  our  front,  we  were  formed  in  line  of  battle  and 


"• 


CHARGE  AT  SUTHERLAND  STATION. 

were  moved  forward  for  the  purpose  of  capturing  the  bat 
tery  confronting  us.  Our  men  were  already  greatly  ex 
hausted  by  the  hard  work  of  the  past  few  days — marching, 
working  and  fighting  day  and  night  with  but  little  rest — so 
that  when  we  came  in  sight  of  the  rebel  position,  unexpect 
edly  saw  before  us  a  line  of  works,  and  charged,  our  men 
gave  out,  and  became  so  scattered,  through  their  exhaustion 
and  the  swamps  and  tangled  underbrush  through  which  a 
part  of  the  line  had  to  pass,  as  to  be  unable  to  accomplish 


SUTHERLAND  STATION.  28 1 

the  desired  object.  When  we  came  to  the  point  where  the 
final  move  was  to  be  made  on  their  works,  our  line  resembled 
a  line  broken  by  the  fire  of  the  enemy,  rather  than  a  line 
about  to  charge  against  their  works.  It  was  deemed  best  to 
be  content  with  fighting  them  from  where  we  were — at  some 
points  partly  under  cover  of  a  knoll — which  was  done  for 
several  hours,  when  the  men  gave  way  to  the  right  and  left 
and  the  centre  fell  back.  It  was  during  this  charge  that  a 
Dutch  soldier  was  collared  and  severely  shaken  for  a  careless 
shot  which  mortally  wounded  one  of  our  own  men. 

A  rude  line  of  works  was  then  thrown  up.  Shortly  after 
wards  we  were  ordered  to  charge  again  upon  the  rebels.  The 
men  did  as  well  as  they  could  have  done,  in  the  emergency 
but  all  were  impressed  with  the  uselessness  of  the  charge. 
Had  the  men  moved  farther  than  they  did,  there  would 
have  been  a  fearful,  a  fruitless,  and  a  useless  sacrifice  of  life. 
As  it  was,  we  gave  many  noble  lives,  and  a  number  of  good 
men  who  were  wounded,  to  secure  that  which,  a  few  hours 
later,  was  gained  without  the  loss  of  a  man.  About  three 
o'clock,  some  artillery  was  brought  to  bear  upon  the  left 
flank  of  the  enemy,  and  a  brigade  of  our  troops  was  also  sent 
to  the  left  of  their  position,  when  our  hearts  were  gladdened 
at  the  word,  "  Forward."  As  soon  as  the  rebels  were  seen 
to  rise  behind  their  works  our  brigade  was  again  formed 
in  line,  passed  over  our  works,  moved  over  the  ground  on 
which  we  had  lately  fought,  and  gained  the  enemy's  works, 
capturing  a  battle  flag,  two  pjeces  of  artillery  and  600  pris 
oners,  the  remainder  of  the  rebels  making  their  escape.  The 
works  were  rude  affairs,  indeed,  but  in  such  good  position  as 
to  challenge  a  front  assault  from  ten  times  the  number  hold 
ing  them,  much  more  from  a  single  brigade  of  tired  and 
worn-out  troops.  We  saw  at  the  time  and  are  sure  now  that 
that  position  might  have  been  taken  at  the  first  charge  if  a 
flanking  force  had  been  sent  out.  The  writer  was  audacious 
enough  to  offer  to  lead  such  a  move.  Taking  these  works 
brought  us  within  sight  of  the  Southside  Railroad — a  long, 
coveted  prize. 


282       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

Brigadier-General  Madill,  commanding  our  brigade,  was 
severely  wounded  in  the  first  charge  we  made,  and,  we  heard, 
afterwards  died.  All  sincerely  regretted  this,  for,  although 
he  had  been  in  command  of  us  but  a  short  time,  he  had  won 
the  admiration  and  love  of  the  men,  not  only  by  his  marked 
abilities,  but  by  his  unusual  calmness  and  cheerfulness  in  ac 
tion,  and  his  unassuming  and  kind  disposition. 

Captain  John  Quay,  universally  beloved,  was  instantly 
killed  at  the  second  charge.  The  opinion  was  general,  that 
he  was  shot  by  one  of  our  own  men,  as  his  coat  seemed  to 
have  been  burned  with  powder  where  the  ball  entered  his 
body.  We  are  sorry  to  entertain  such  an  opinion,  but  it  had 
some  basis,  not  only  in  the  appearance  of  his  coat,  but  in  the 
lamentable  fact  that  in  the  excitement  of  both  these  charges, 
some  of  the  men  of  a  regiment  in  our  brigade  fired  wildly, 
without  regard  to  our  own  men,  just  before  them,  and  we 
saw  several  who  either  came  near  being  or  were  actually 
shot  by  them.  We  would  gladly  remove  the  opinion  if  we 
could,  but  the  only  thing  we  can  offer  is,  that  we  were  only 
a  few  feet  behind  him  when  he  was  killed,  saw  him  when  he 
was  shot,  and  went  immediately  to  him ,  nor  do  we  recollect 
that  there  were  any  in  the  rear  of  him  who  could  have  shot 
him.  When  the  fight  was  over  and  our  men  fell  back,  we 
bore  his  body  from  the  field  and  it  was  carefully  buried.  He 
was  indeed  a  noble  soldier  and  a  true  man  ;  as  brave  as  the 
bravest — never  flinching  in  the  hour  of  danger — sometimes 
standing  up  while  others  were  lying  down.  He  went  from 
us  some  ten  months  before  his  death,  severely  wounded,  and 
conscientiously  resigned,  because  unable  at  the  time  to  ren 
der  service ;  and  that  he  was  so  soon  sacrificed  after  his 
return  to  us,  rendered  his  death  doubly  sad.  He  was  the 
last,  as  Colonel  Willard  was  the  first,  of  our  officers  who  met 
death  on  the  battlefield. 

He  was  born  in  the  North  of  Ireland  and  came  to  this  coun 
try  when  he  was  six  months  old.  He  had  a  common  school 
education,  and  when  he  was  old  enough  he  went  to  work  in  a 
foundry,  where  he  learned  the  trade  of  a  moulder.  He  was 


CAPTAIN  QUAY.  283 

working  at  his  trade  when  the  war  broke  out,  whereupon  he 
enlisted.  His  father  and  two  brothers  were  also  in  the  ser 
vice,  his  father  in  the  9ist  New  York;  his  brother  Levi,  in 
the  2d  ;  and  his  brother  William  was  color-bearer  in  the  5th, 
(Duryea's  Zouaves). 

During  the  second  charge,  about  the  time  of  Captain 
Quay's  death,  the  writer  received  the  only  wound  he  sus 
tained  during  all  the  service. 

We  took  up  the  line  of  march  on  the  morning  of  the  3d, 
following  the  retreating  rebels.  Along  the  road  were  scat- 


CAPTAIN  JOHN  QUAY. 

tered  numerous  evidences  of  their  hasty  retreat,  in  the  way 
of  destroyed  ammunition,  burned  and  destroyed  ambulan 
ces,  caissons  and  army  wagons,  which  they  were  unable  to 
get  away  on  account  of  the  bad  condition  of  portions  of  the 
road.  These,  with  any  quantity  of  headquarter-records,  were 
strewn  for  miles  along  the  line  of  our  march,  the  sight  of 
which  greatly  cheered  and  encouraged  our  men.  The  report 
of  the  capture  of  Petersburg  reached  us  on  the  morning  of 
the  2d,  after  entering  the  rebel  works,  and,  more  reliably, 
on  the  morning  of  the  3d.  It  was  a  most  joyous  word. 
On  the  4th  we  moved  forward  again.  Our  brigade  was 


284      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

sent  back  a  few  miles  to  repair  the  roads  with  rails,  etc.  On 
the  5th  we  marched  all  day  with  but  little  rest.  Reports 
of  the  surrender  of  Johnston  to  Sherman  reached  us,  caus 
ing  great  joy  and  high  hopes  in  the  hearts  of  our  men. 
This  surrender  was  not  consummated  until  the  last  of  April. 
Word  also  came  to  us  that  Sheridan,  who  was  leading  the 
troops,  seeking  to  head  off  the  rebels,  was  confident  of  cap 
turing  General  Lee's  army.  The  brigade  reached  the  posi 
tion  occupied  by  our  troops  after  dark.  Works  had  been 
thrown  up  already.  Some  six  hundred  prisoners  were  cap 
tured  at  this  point.  Our  line  extended  across  the  railroad. 
The  bands  were  brought  to  the  front ;  and  as  we  were  now 
lying  across  the  path  of  the  rebels,  the  air  was  made  musical 
with  Hail  Columbia  and  kindred  National  airs.  It  was  a 
saucy  act,  but  it  was  inspiriting  to  the  Union  troops. 

On  the  morning  of  the  6th  we  moved  out  to  meet  the 
enemy,  who  were  reported  near,  and  came  in  sight  of  them 
and  their  train  about  nine  o'clock.  We  opened  fire  with 
artillery  and  pressed  forward  with  infantry.  The  enemy 
showed  fight.  Our  men  moved  forward  in  good  style,  fol 
lowing  them  up  the  strongest  natural  positions.  Some  of 
these  sights  were  very  grand  and  the  natural  scenery  was 
magnificent.  We  came  under  fire  about  12  o'clock  M.,  and 
were  kept  moving  in  line  through  the  woods,  being  much 
wearied  by  it,  our  brigade  supporting  the  line  of  our  (division 
until  late  in  the  afternoon,  when  it  was  moved  forward  on 
the  front  line  and  charged,  under  fire,  upon  a  train  of  wag 
ons  lying  in  a  ravine  at  Sailor's  Creek.  We  passed  a  thin 
line  of  our  men  lying  behind  a  rail  fence,  a  few  hundred  yards 
in  rear  of  the  train,  and  captured  the  train  with  two  pieces 
of  artillery.  The  rebels  poured  an  artillery  fire  into  us,  and, 
from  the  lay  of  the  ground,  we  naturally  expected  severe 
fighting,  but  the  appearance  of  the  artillery  just  captured 
was  proof  that  they  had  left  in  a  hurry.  We  pressed  forward 
to  charge  upon  the  battery  confronting  us,  which  was  hastily 
withdrawn.  The  captured  wagons  belonged  to  some  head 
quarters,  and  contained  an  abundance  of  good  edibles,  cloth- 


APPOMATTOX  COURTHOUSE.  285 

ing,  etc.,  to  which  our  men  helped  themselves  freely,  alto- 
gether  too  freely  to  the  "  applejack  "  found  among  the  spoils. 

We  moved  forward  on  the  morning  of  the  7th,  crossing 
the  Appomattox  at  High  Bridge.  The  rebels  were  in  sight 
on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river  when  we  reached  the  bridge, 
but  were  soon  driven  away.  There  were  some  good  works 
on  both  sides  of  the  river  at  this  point,  but  they  were  aban 
doned,  with  some  ten  or  fifteen  pieces  of  artillery.  About 
12  o'clock  we  came  under  the  fire  of  the  rebels  at  Farmville. 
The  fire  was  quite  brisk,  one  or  two  shots  taking  severe 
effect  in  our  brigade.  Our  regiment  did  no  fighting,  but  was 
under  fire  all  the  afternoon.  The  First  Brigade  made  a 
charge  about  four  o'clock,  and  was  repulsed  with  severe  loss 
in  killed,  wounded  and  prisoners. 

Our  regiment  was  on  the  skirmish-line  all  day  of  the  8th, 
and  picked  up  a  large  number  of  rebel  stragglers.  During 
the  day  General  Seth  Williams  brought  to  the  line  a  letter 
from  General  Grant  to  General  Lee,  and  later  in  the  day  a 
reply  came.  The  writer  remembers  the  magnificent  horse 
which  the  bearer  of  the  rebel  letter  rode. 

On  the  morning  of  the  Qth,  our  regiment  took  up  the  line 
of  march  cheerfully,  marching  until  about  noon,  when  we 
halted  beside  the  road  and  our  banners  were  unfurled.  Here 
we  rested  several  hours,  when  signs  of  something  unusual  be 
gan  to  appear.  We  could  scarcely  believe  the  rumors  that 
came  to  us  of  the  surrender  by  General  Lee  of  the  rebel 
army  ;  but  about  four  o'clock,  the  glad  news  was  given  that 
it  was  really  true.  General  Meade,  near  whose  headquarters 
we  were,  announced  it  to  his  staff  officers,  and  their  cheers 
were  taken  up  by  the  men  near  by.  Soon  General  Meade 
himself  rode  along  the  line,  with  head  uncovered,  and  such 
cheers  as  went  up  to  the  skies  we  never  heard  before,  lasting 
over  an  hour  without  any  interruption.  Thus,  with  cheers 
and  waving  banners,  and  also  with  booming  cannon  arid 
playing  bands,  was  greeted  this  greatest  triumph  of  the  war. 
It  was  a  glad  day  to  our  army,  and  the  9th  of  April,  1865, 
will  always  be  remembered  by  our  men,  and  will  forever 


286       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

be  an  historic  day  in  the  annals  of  our  country's  and  the 
world's  history.  The  writer  has  seen  the  authentic  state 
ment  that  General  Grant  ordered  that  there  should  be  no 
demonstrations  of  joy  ;  but,  if  the  orders  were  delivered,  they 
came  too  late  to  prevent  the  spontaneous  expression  of  glad 
ness  just  described. 

The  part  assigned  to  our  corps  in  the  operations  just 
narrated,  appeared  to  be  to  follow  up  the  retreating  rebels, 
while  other  troops  operated  on  their  flank  and  sought  to  head 
them  off.  It  did  its  part  nobly — captured  5,000  prisoners,. 


MCLEAN  HOUSE — PLACE  OF  LEES  SURRENDER. 

35  pieces  of  artillery  and  400  wagons.  It  allowed  the 
rebels  no  rest,  assaulting  them  daily  and  always  annoying 
them.  Our  division  was  always  at  the  front  and  was  repeat 
edly  engaged.  It  was  on  the  advance,  our  brigade  being 
the  second  in  the  column,  when  General  Lee  surrendered. 
Our  regiment  did  its  full  share  of  work  and  bore  its  full  por 
tion  of  suffering. 

The  writer  ventures  to  repeat  here  words  penned  by 
himself  April  I4th  ,1864,  near  Burke's  Station,  whither  we 
had  marched  after  Lee's  surrender  : 


THE  VICTORY.  28/ 

Our  campaign  in  Virginia  is  ended.  It  has  been  short, 
decisive  and  grand.  In  skillfulness  of  design,  rapidity  of 
movement  and  grandeur  of  results,  it  is  unequaled  by  any 
previous  campaign  of  the  war,  and  has  but  few  parallels  in 
history.  The  fighting  has  been  far  less  severe  than  that  of 
other  campaigns  in  which  we  have  taken  part,  but  the  work 
has  been  hard  and  the  sacrifices  trying.  Some  had  pre 
dicted  that  the  campaign  would  be  made  up  of  rapid  and 
hard  blows,  but  the  results  far  exceed  the  expectation  of  the 
most  hopeful.  All  expected  hard  fighting  from  an  enemy 
that  had  hitherto  fought  as  only-Americans  can  fight,  but  all 
have  been  happily  disappointed,  and  can  rejoice  in  a  compar 
atively  bloodless  triumph.  We  can  scarcely  realize  that  it  is 
only  a  little  over  two  weeks  since  we  left  camp  in  front  of 
Petersburg,  so  full  of  exciting  events  and  interest  have  been 
the  past  sixteen  days.  We  have  lived  more  in  these  few 
days  than  in  many  ordinary  ones: — hours  passed  under  fire 
and  amid  the  earnest  expectations  and  stern  realities  of  the 
battlefield,  seem  like  days  to  the  soldier.  Everything  has 
worked  in  our  favor.  It  is  true  that  our  army  greatly  out 
numbered  the  rebel  forces ;  still,  according  to  General  Lee's 
own  statement,  he  left  Petersburg  with  sixty  thousand  men, 
and,  with  the  unusually  fine  natural  positions  that  have  pre 
sented  themselves  to  him  for  defense,  he  might  have  made 
terrible  work  for  our  army — and  we  were  fearful  that  he 
would ;  but  he  has  not  only  been  outgeneraled  and  outnum 
bered,  but  he  has  been  unable  to  make  his  men  stand.  From 
all  accounts  there  never  was  a  more  completely  demoralized 
army  than  the  once  splendid  "  army  of  Northern  Virginia," 
that  we  have  met  so  often  before  on  bloody  fields.  Officers 
were  utterly  unable  to  control  their  men,  who  threw  away 
their  muskets  at  pleasure,  marched  as  they  pleased,  and  de 
serted  by  hundreds  and  thousands.  Truly  the  prayer  of 
Christian  people,  that  fear  might  be  sent  to  the  hearts  and 
confusion  into  the  ranks  of  the  enemy,  has  been  signally 
answered.  "  The  stars  in  their  course  fought  for  us" — the 
very  elements  have  worked  for  our  good  and  to  the  disad- 


288       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

vantage  of  our  foe.  The  weather,  at  first  stormy,  became 
very  pleasant.  The  rain  that  would  have  impeded  us  was 
withheld  until  General  Lee  surrendered  ;  shortly  after  which 
it  set  in,  and  it  has  stormed  several  days  and  nights  since, 
rendering  the  roads  almost  impassable.  This  fact  has  been 
remarked  by  many  here.  Thus  the  God  of  Battles,  who, 
since  the  commencement  of  the  war,  has  directed  us  in  this ; 
who  rules  the  hearts  of  the  people ;  who  has  at  times  de 
feated  the  wisest  plans  of  our  best  generals,  in  order  that  in 
the  end  grander  results  might  be  realized  ;  who  guides  in  the 
confusion  of  battle  ; — thus  has  He  directed  His  own  elements 
in  the  natural  world  for  our  good  and  the  overthrow  of  the 
wrong.  Word  reaches  us  of  the  joy  of  the  people  at  home 
over  the  great  triumphs  lately  achieved.  If  our  friends  at 
home  rejoice,  how  much  more  do  the  men  rejoice  who  have 
worked  so  hard,  suffered  so  long  and  fought  so  stubbornly 
for  the  capture  of  Richmond  and  Petersburg  and  the  de 
struction  of  the  rebel  army.  Our  friends  rejoice  chiefly  at 
the  results  in  their  bearing  on  the  country, — we  not  only  re 
joice  at  these,  but  are  glad  that  at  length,  in  the  merciful 
providence  of  God,  the  hard  work  of  the  war  is  ending,  its 
sacrifices  closing,  and  the  terrible  scenes  of  bloodshed  and 
death — with  which  we  have  become  somewhat  familiar,  but 
not  enough  wholly  to  seal  up  our  sympathies — are  about  to 
close.  We  honor  our  generals  and  brave  soldiers  who  have 
done  so  well  towards  securing  this  long-desired  and  prayed- 
for  object ;  nor  can  we  withhold  the  praise  that  is  due 
Almighty  God,  who  has  so  signally  led,  blessed  us,  and  given 
us  the  victory.  This  is  not  the  time  nor  the  way  to  trace 
the  wonderful  leadings  of  His  Providence,  but,  as  we  may 
not  have  occasion  to  write  you  again,  we  wish  in  a  word  now 
to  acknowledge  God  in  our  great  triumphs. 

On  the  day  the  lines  just  repeated  were  penned,  was  fired 
by  the  hand  of  a  cowardly  assassin  the  fatal  shot  which  took 
from  the  South  its  best  friend,  and  from  the  North  its  loved 
idol ;  for  never  did  man  gain  stronger,  warmer  hold  on  the 
Nation's  heart  than  did  Abraham  Lincoln.  At  times  not 


ABRAHAM  LINCOLN. 


289 


appreciated ;  often  misunderstood  and  misrepresented,  the 
pure  gold  running  in  great  veins  through  his  nature,  came  in 
time  to  be  fully  seen.  The  land  has  never  produced  better 
man  or  more  unselfish  patriot.  It  were  impossible  to  de 
scribe  the  mingled  feeling  of  sorrow  and  indignation  that 
found  expression  in  the  army,  when  word  came  of  the  death 
of  our  martyred  President.  As  lying  in  tent  at  night,  the 
word  was  called  out  by  Surgeon  Cooper,  "  President  Lincoln 
has  been  assassinated,"  and,  as  the  word  was  repeated,  to 
the  writer's  mind  sprang  the  words  of  David :  "  Would  God 
I  had  died  for  thee."  This  record  is  made  in  the  belief  that 
the  sentiment  expressed  by  these  words  had  a  place  in  every 
true  soldier's  heart. 


ABRAHAM  LINCOLN. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

SURGEONS  —  GENERAL  FACTS  —  CLOSING  WORDS. 


"^HE  surrender  of  General  Lee's  army  meant  virtually  the 
-*-  end  of  the  Rebellion  ;  the  other  rebel  armies  soon  lay 
ing  down  their  arms.  Only  28,356  were  paroled  at  Appo- 
mattox  ;  but  in  the  campaign,  19,132  had  been  captured. 
To  these  figures  must  be  added  the  number  of  their  killed, 
wounded  and  missing,  which  losses  General  Lee  declared  to 
have  been  "  exceedingly  heavy."  A  large  army  -had  been  de 
stroyed,  and  the  end  of  the  war  had  been  reached.  The 
boast  that  one  Southerner  was  equal  to  five  Northeners 
proved  to  be  idle  ;  and  it  was  seen  that  nine  millions  of  peo 
ple,  when  in  the  wrong,  could  be  subdued.  In  no  spirit  of 
harshness,  nor  of  human  vaunting  is  the  record  here  repeated 
of  their  defeat  ;  but  the  fact  is  traced  with  gratitude,  in 
view  of  the  greater  good  resulting  therefrom  to  the  South  — 
both  its  Whites  and  Blacks  —  as  to  the  entire  North. 

Before  these  records  close  a  word  is  demanded  on  behalf 
of  the  surgeons,  and  the  name  of  Surgeon  Cooper  must  here 
have  place.  The  men  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth 
had  reason  to  be  grateful  for  the  one  who  served  as  surgeon 
of  the  regiment  from  the  beginning  to  the  close  of  its  history. 
The  carefulness,  kindness  and  skill  of  Surgeon  Wm.  S.  Cooper 
uniformly  impressed  the  writer,  who,  making  his  way  to  field 
hospital  after  each  battle,  had  abundant  opportunity  to 
observe  those  whose  duty  it  was  to  care  for  the  wounded. 
Great  pains  was  always  taken  to  spare  men,  so  far  as  possible, 
the  loss  of  limbs.  The  writer  has  known  Surgeon  Cooper  to 


SURGEON  COOPER.  291 

save  to  a  man  one  finger  of  a  shattered  hand,  holding  that 
the  one  finger — the  " little"  finger — might  be  of  some  ser 
vice.  It  is  possible  that  the  amputating  knife  was  at  times 
applied  when,  amid  circumstances  more  favorable,  long  and 
close  care  might  have  rendered  the  loss  of  leg  or  arm 
unnecessary.  But,  at  the  front,  with  armies  moving,  ampu 
tation  was  sometimes  the  more  merciful  act.  Still,  this 
record  is  here  made,  that  of  the  many  men  who  passed  under 
the  surgeons'  hands,  the  writer  never  saw  a  needless  case  of 


SURGEON  WILLIAM  S.   COOPER. 

the  use  of  the  knife.  He  did  have  occasion  at  times  to 
persuade  men,  who  plead  with  him  to  see  to  it  that  arm  or 
leg  should  not  be  cut  off,  that  the  decision  with  them  was, 
"  limb  or  life." 

Surgeon  William  S.  Cooper  was  born  July  nth,  1819,  in 
Stane,  a  village  adjacent  to  Shott's  Iron  Works,  Lanarkshire, 
Scotland.  He  studied  medicine  in  the  city  of  Glasgow  from 
1836  to  1840.  He  then  went  to  sea  as  surgeon  of  a  whaling 
vessel.  During  the  voyage  in  the  Arctic  regions  he  had  a 


2Q2        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

narrow  escape  from  a  bear.  Of  a  calm  day,  a  bear  and  her 
cub  were  seen  at  a  short  distance  from  the  ship.  A  boat  was 
manned  and  gave  chase.  Dr.  Cooper  stood  upon  the  prow  of 
the  boat  with  a  rifle  in  hand.  The  bear  was  making  for  the 
ice,  crossing  which  she  would  be  safe,  as  the  boat  could  not 
round  the  promontory  of  ice  until  she  should  be  far  out  of 
the  reach  of  danger.  The  bear,  seeing  the  party  closing 
upon  her,  took  her  cub  on  her  back,  as  the  cub  could  not 
swim  fast  enough.  When  within  about  fifteen  feet  of  her, 
the  harpooner,  who  had  a  ball-gun,  fired  and  missed  her. 
But  the  cub,  frightened,  dropped  from  the  bear's  back,  upon 
which  she  turned  to  defend  her  offspring.  She  made  for  the 
boat  and  was  in  the  act  of  climbing  in  to  fling  her  arms  in  a 
death-hug  about  Surgeon  Cooper,  when  he  raised  his  rifle 
and,  without  particular  aim,  fired,  killing  the  bear,  over  whose 
dead  body  the  boat  glided.  The  cub  was  soon  dispatched 
by  a  whale  lance.  The  ship  in  which  Surgeon  Cooper  was 
serving  was  wrecked  amid  the  ice  in  a  severe  storm  on  the 
3d  of  May,  1840,  in  about  75  degrees  north  latitude.  After 
three  days  he  and  his  companions  were  picked  up  and  taken 
to  Scotland.  In  the  following  year,  undaunted  by  his  former 
perils,  he  shipped  on  a  second  vovage.  July  26th,  1842,  he 
sailed  for  America,  and  was  wrecked  on  Hempstead  Beach, 
Long  Island,  about  the  3d  of  September.  Rescued  and 
making  his  way  to  Albany,  New  York,  he  renewed  his  medi 
cal  studies  at  the  Medical  College  in  that  city,  choosing  in 
this  way  to  take  a  double  course.  He  was  graduated  at 
Albany,  and  entered  upon  the  practice  of  his  profession  at 
the  Troy  Iron  Works,  where  he  continued  for  twenty  years, 
and  until  the  War  Committee  of  Rensselaer  County  waited 
upon  him  and  requested  him  to  take  the  position  of  surgeon 
in  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth.  More  fitting  choice 
could  not  well  have  been  made.  Dr.  Cooper  proved  himself 
not  only  skillful  in  his  professional  duties,  but  was  regarded 
as  a  gentleman  of  strong  convictions,  and  a  man  of  careful 
culture.  He  returned  with  the  regiment  to  Troy,  where  he 
has  up  to  the  present  followed  successfully  his  profession. 


ASSISTANT-SURGEON  AKIN. 


293 


A  man  who  could  face  the  dangers  which  Surgeon  Cooper 
met  in  his  earlier  days,  was  qualified  by  valor,  as  he  was  by 
undoubted  ability,  to  serve  even  on  battlefield.  He  was,  at 
the  close  of  the  war,  very  justly  brevetted  Colonel. 

Each  regiment  was  entitled  to  two  assistant  surgeons,  who 
were  none  too  many  in  active  service.  The  One  Hundred 
and  Twenty-fifth  had  several  such  connected  with  it,  as  will 
appear  in  the  roster.  But  the  one  who  started  from  home 
and  returned  with  the  regiment,  was  Dr.  Washington  Akin. 


ASSISTANT-SURGEON    WASHINGTON  AKIN. 

Dr.  Akin  was  born  at  Johnsville,  Rensselaer  County,  New 
York,  on  the  22d  of  August,  1835.  He  was  graduated  from 
the  Cambridge  Academy  in  1855.  He  then  pursued  a  course 
in  medicine  and  surgery  at  the  Albany  Medical  College,  from 
which  he  was  graduated  December  3ist,  1858.  He  became 
established  in  his  profession  in  Troy,  practicing  here  until  his 
connection  with  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  at  its 
organization.  From  Gettysburg  onward  the  writer  noted  in 
Dr.  Akin  the  qualifications  of  a  good  surgeon.  He  was  quick 


294       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  YOLS. 

to  decide  and  bold  to  act  when  the  use  of  the  knife  was 
demanded.  He  manifestly  was  a  born  surgeon.  At  Auburn 
as  related  in  connection  with  that  battle,  October  I4th, 
1863,  he  was  at  hand  to  dress  the  wound  of  the  rebel  Colonel 
Griffin,  who  fell  wounded  into  our  hands.  When  General 
Grant  ordered  that  a  certain  number  of  the  surgeons  should 
follow  the  lines  of  battle,  Dr.  Akin  was  one  of  the  number 
detailed,  and  thus  was  near  to  aid  in  saving  the  life  of  Cap 
tain  Churchill  when  wounded  on  the  2 1st  of  June,  1864.  Dr. 
Akin  faithfully  performed  his  duty,  and  has  earned  the  suc 
cess  which  has  attended  his  practice  in  Trey  since  the  close 
of  the  war. 

The  hospital  service  provided  by  the  General  Government 
was  in  keeping  with  the  beneficent  principles  of  a  Christian 
nation.  The  various  agencies  that  found  a  field  of  benevo 
lent  work  in  general  and  field  hospitals,  combining  with  the 
unremitting  care  of  numerous  surgeons,  did  much  towards 
securing  the  most  gratifying  result,  that,  while  in  general 
hospitals  alone,  during  the  war,  1,057,423  cases  were  treated, 
only  eight  per  cent  of  deaths  is  recorded. 

The  story  has  gone  forth  and  shall  forever  be  perpetuated 
of  the  beneficent  service  of  the  Sanitary  and  Christian 
Commissions.  Our  first  practical  knowledge  of  these  organi 
zations  was  acquired  at  Gettysburg.  Their  service  was 
chiefly  at  the  hospitals  in  the  rear  of  our  lines.  Chaplains 
did  not  meet  the  agents  of  these  societies  on  the  battlefield 
or  at  the  extreme  front,  but,  occasionally  in  visiting  men  of 
the  regiments,  wounded  or  sick,  they  learned  of  the  good 
work  doing  by  the  agents  of  both  the  Christian  and  Sanitary 
Commissions.  The  extent  of  the  good  done  finds  some  ex 
pression  in  the  amount  of  money  and  goods  given  and  used 
for  the  relief  of  the  soldiers.  Only  a  very  few  times  did  even 
the  Sanitary  Commission  extend  its  benefactions  to  the  able- 
bodied  men.  The  chief  labor  was  given  where  most  needed. 
One  of  the  times  when  its  offices  were  keenly  welcomed  was 
after  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  had  reached  Petersburg  at 
the  close  of  the  Wilderness  Campaign.  The  work  of  the 


SUMMARY  OF  EVENTS.  295 

Sanitary  Commission  was  more  general;  the  work  of  the 
Christian  Commission  was  more  personal.  The  former  of 
these  organizations  was  the  channel  through  which  fifteen 
million  dollars  worth  of  supplies  was  sent  to  the  army,  and 
five  million  dollars  were  given  to  be  expended  for  the  sol 
diers.  The  Christian  Commission  expended  in  various  ways 
six  million  of  dollars.  The  soil  in  which  was  rooted  all  this 
vast  beneficence  was  kept  soft  and  fruitful  by  the  warm 
tears  of  afflicted  kindred  and  friends  whose  eyes  turned 
tearfully  towards  the  scene  of  war.  The  soil  was  formed  of 
the  hearts  of  mothers  and  wives  and  sisters  and  other  kin 
dred.  The  hands  which  ministered  the  beneficence  were  in 
part  the  gentle  hands  of  women  who  braved  the  dangers  and 
exposure  of  life  near  the  front,  and  some  of  whom  gave  their 
lives  in  sacrifice  in  their  holy  ministries. 

But  all  that  was  done  in  these  kindly  ways  could  not 
wholly  do  away  with  the  sad  disfigurements  of  the  war,  nor 
remove  wholly  the  suffering.  At  best  the  bullet  remained 
cruel.  The  work  of  bullet  and  shell  and  cannon-ball  and 
shrapnel  made  its  mark  on  all  parts  of  the  body.  Men  were 
wounded  in  every  part,  from  head  to  foot,  from  cap  to 
boots.  The  writer  questioned  one — not  an  enlisted  man, 
but  an  officer,  who  after  battle  was  walking  with  one  boot  in 
hand,  as  to  the  place  of  his  wound,  and  learned  that  it 
was  in  the  heel  of  his  boot.  But,  sadly  were  many  men  dis 
figured  in  limb  and  face.  Hands  gone,  arms  gone,  legs  gone, 
ears  shot  away,  eyes  shot  out,  all  parts  crushed  and  marred ; 
thus  the  catalogue  goes  on,  to  the  fatal  blows  that  struck 
away  heads  and  pierced  heart  and  vitals.  The  tender  mer 
cies  of  battle  were  cruel. 

The  great  salient  points  of  the  war  can  speedily  be  told, 
and  its  chief  battles  could  be  almost  as  quickly  recounted. 

President  Lincoln  first  called  75,000  troops,  April  15,  1861. 

The  first  soldier  killed  in  the  war  of  1861  was  Daniel 
Hough,  private,  Battery  E,  First  U.  S.  Artillery,  and  three 
other  artillerists  wounded  by  the  premature  explosion  of  a 
gun,  April  15,  1861,  at  Fort  Sumter,  South  Carolina. 


296       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

The  Confederate  Government  called  for  32,000  men,  April 
1 6,  1861. 

Colonel  Ellsworth  was  shot  at  Alexandria,  Virginia,  May 
24,  1861. 

President  Lincoln   called  for   500,000  volunteers  July  10, 
1861. 

The  first  iron-clad  naval  engagement  between  the  Monitor 
and  Mcrrimac,  March  8,  1862. 

General  R.  E.  Lee,  made  Commander-in-chief  of  the  rebel 
forces  by  Jefferson  Davis,  January  31,  1865. 
Evacuation  of  Richmond,  April  3,  1865. 
President  Lincoln  held  a  levee  in  Jefferson  Davis's  house, 
April  4,  1865. 

Lee  surrendered,  April  9,  1865  ;  26,000  Confederates  miss 
ing. 

President  Lincoln  was  shot  in  Ford's  theatre  by  J.  Wilkes 
Booth,  April  14,  1865. 

President  Lincoln  died  at  7:20  A.  M.,  April  15,  1865. 
Mosby  surrendered  at  Berry ville,  Virginia,  April  17,  1865  ; 
700  Confederates  missing. 

General  J.  E.  Johnson  surrendered  with  27,600  men,  April 
26,  1865. 

Taylor  surrendered  May  4,  1865;  10,600  Confederates 
missing. 

President  Johnson  issued  a  peace  proclamation  declaring 
the  war  at  an  end,  May  9,  1865. 

Sam.  Jones  surrendered  at  Tallahassee,  Florida,  May  10. 
1865  ;  8,000  Confederates  missing. 

Jefferson  Davis  captured  at  Irvvinville,  Georgia,  by  the 
First  Wisconsin  and  Fourth  Michigan  Cavalry,  May  10, 
1865. 

Jeff.  Thompson  surrendered  at  Chalk  Bluff,  Arkansas,  May 
u,  1865  ;  7,454  Confederates  missing. 

Kirby  Smith  surrendered  May  26,  1865  ;  20,000  Confed 
erates  missing. 

But,  between  the  beginning  and  ending  there  was  a  mul 
titude  of  incidents  variously  classed,  and  many  of  them 


SUMMARY  OF  EVENTS.  297 

attended  with  fatality.  There  were,  all  told,  2,261  different 
battles  and  engagements,  according  to  the  computation  of 
one  writer.  From  a  list  of  events  on  file  in  the  adjutant- 
general's  office  the  writer  gathers  the  following  classifications 
and  figures :  Seizures  48,  occupations  37,  transfers  2,  aban 
donments  21,  destructions  14,  riots  3,  captures  70,  advances 
5,  surrenders  10,  attacks  4,  bombardments  10,  evacuations 
14,  burnings  4,  withdrawals  4,  pursuits  3,  demonstrations  2, 
raids  23,  scouts  345,  expeditions  1,035,  operations  294, 
reconnoisances  325,  actions  325,  engagements  168,  skirmishes 
1,056,  and  battles  65.  Actions,  engagements,  and  battles 
should  be  classed  together  as  battles.  The  classification 
"  battles  "  stands  for  the  chief,-  general  battles. 

Altogether,  these  many  "events"  rolled  up  the  long  list 
of  killed  and  wounded  in  all  the  States  and  places  touched 
by  the  bloody  hand  of  war. 

According  to  the  latest  revised  reports,  from  first  to  last 
the  number  of  Union  soldiers  was  2,778,304.  Of  the  number, 
178,895  were  colored  troops.  The  total  number  of  commis 
sioned  officers — white,  was  83,935.  Of  the  large  number 
about  1,500,000  were  actually  employed.  Of  the  entire 
number  75  per  cent  were  native  Americans,  7  per  cent  were 
Irish  and  9  per  cent  were  Germans.  The  remainder  were 
English,  British  Americans  or  other  foreigners. 

The  losses  during  the  war  have  been  carefully  estimated 
and  present  figures  of  sad  interest. 

Under  the  direction  of  Adjutant-General  Drum,  Mr.  J.  W. 
Kirkley,  an  experienced  statistician,  aided  by  ten  clerks, 
was  engaged  during  1884-85  in  making  up  the  record  of 
the  number  of  deaths  that  occurred  in  the  Union  army. 
The  report,  as  completed,  is  declared  to  be  as  near  perfection 
as  possible.  All  attainable  official  documents  have  been 
used  in  the  work ;  there  is  lacking,  however,  the  death 
records  of  the  Confederate  prisons  at  Americus,  Atlanta, 
Augusta,  Charleston,  Lynchburg,  Macon,  Marietta,  Mobile, 
Montgomery,  Savannah,  Shreveport  and  Tyler,  and  only 
partial  records  were  had  from  the  prisons  of  Cahawba,, 


298       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

Columbia,  Florence,  S.  C.,  Millen  and  Salisbury.     The  gen 
eral  results,  as  ascertained,  are  as  follows : 

Officers.  Men.     Aggregate. 

Killed  or  died  of  wounds             .             .              .     6,365  103,673         110,038 

Died  of  disease         ....             2,795  221,791         224,586 

Drowned             .....          106  4,838             4,944 

Other  accidental  deaths        ...                 142  3,972             4,114 

Murdered            .             .              .             .             -37  487                524 

Killed  after  capture              ...                    14  86                 100 

Committed  suicide           ....            26  365                 391 

Executed                                 .             .             .  267                267 

Executed  by  enemy        ....             4  60                  64 

Died  from  sunstroke              ...                   5  308                313 

Other  known  causes       ....           62  1,972             2,034 

Causes  not  stated                  ...                  28  12,093           12,121 


Totals  .       9,584         349.912         359>496 

New  York's  losses  numbered  46,534 ;  Pennsylvania's, 
33,183  ;  Ohio's,  35,475  ;  Illinois's,  34,834  ;  Indiana's,  26,672  ; 
Massachusetts,  13,941;  Michigan's,  14,753;  Iowa's,  13,001; 
Wisconsin's,  12,301;  Kentucky's,  10,774;  Maine's,  9,398; 
Tennessee's,  6,777 ;  New  Jersey's,  5,754;  Connecticut's,  5,354; 
Vermont's,  5,224;  New  Hampshire's,  4,850;  West  Virginia's, 
4,019;  Kansas's,  2,630;  Maryland's,  2,982;  Minnesota's,  2,584; 
other  States,  smaller  numbers.  The  losses  of  colored  troops 
numbered  36,847;  and  of  the  regular  army,  5,798.  To  the 
formidable  aggregate  of  nearly  360,000  deaths  in  the  Union 
army,  there  needs  to  be  added  a  like  record  of  the  Confed. 
erate  dead,  in  order  to  know  the  actual  number  of  the  victims 
of  the  civil  war.  The  Confederate  loss  is  placed  at  300,000. 
The  naval  record  is  also  wanting.  The  numbers  of  crippled 
and  invalided  by  wounds  and  of  victims  of  lingering  disease 
contracted  in  the  service,  would  greatly  increase  the  grand 
total  of  the  war's  casualties. 

It  is  also  stated  that  the  number  discharged  for  disability 
was  285,545. 

The  largest  number  of  discharges  among  the  white  troops 
were  for  the  following  diseases:  Consumption,  20,403; 
»diarrhcea  and  dysentery,  17,389;  debility,  14,500;  rheumatism, 


THE  RAVAGES  OF  THE  WAR.  '  299 

1 1,779  5  heart  diseases,  16,636.  More  soldiers  died  from  camp 
diarrhoea  and  dysentery  than  from  any  other  disease. 

The  nation's  dead  are  buried  in  seventy-nine  national  cem 
eteries,  twelve  of  which  are  in  the  Northern  States,  including 
Cypress  Hills,  with  its  3,786  dead  ;  Finn's  Point,  N.  Y.,  where 
are  buried  2,644  unknown  soldiers ;  Gettysburg,  Penn.,  with 
1,967  known  and  1, 608  unknown;  Mound  City,  111.,  with 
2,505  known  and  2,721  unknown;  Philadelphia  with  1,909 
dead,  and  Woodland,  Elmira,  N.  Y.,  with  its  390.  The 
largest  depositories  are  situated  in  the  South  near  the  scenes 
of  the  principal  conflicts,  as  the  following  list  will  show : 

Beaufort,  S.  C,  9,241,  of  whom  4,493  are  unknown  ;  Chal- 
mette,  La.,  12,5 1 1,  of  whom  5,674  are  unknown ;  Chattanooga, 
Tenn.,  12,962,  of  whom  4,963  are  unknown;  Fredericksburg, 
Va.,  15,257,  of  whom  12,770  are  unknown  ;  Jefferson  Barracks, 
Mo.,  11,490,  of  whom  2,906  are  unknown  ;  Little  Rock,  Ark., 
5,602,  of  whom  2,337  are  unknown ;  City  Point,  Va.,  6,122,  of 
whom  1,347  are  unknown;  Marietta,  Ga.,  10,151,  of  whom 
2,963  are  unknown;  Memphis,  Tenn.,  13,997,  of  whom  8,817 
are  unknown;  Nashville,  Tenn.,  26,524,  of  whom  4,701  are 
unknown;  Poplar  Grove,  Va.,  6,199,  °f  whom  4,001  are  un 
known;  Richmond,  Va.,  6,542,  of  whom  5,700  are  unknown; 
Salisbury,  N.  C.,  12,126,  of  whom  12,032  are  unknown  ;  Stone 
River,  Tenn.,  5,602,  of  whom  288  are  unknown  ;  Vicksburg, 
Miss.,  16,600,  of  whom  12,704  are  unknown;  Antietam,  Md., 
4,671,  of  whom  1,818  are  unknown;  Winchester,  Va.,  4,556* 
of  whom  2,356  are  unknown. 

From  the  foregoing  may  be  gathered  the  fact  that  300,000 
heroes  who  fought  for  the  old  flag  have  found  graves  in  our 
National  cemeteries.  Those  who  perished  in  Andersonville 
and  Salisbury  repose  in  cemeteries  bearing  the  same  names 
as  those  prisons;  the  former  cemetery  containing  13,714 
graves  and  the  latter  12,126,  the  occupants  of  12,032  of  which 
are  unknown. 

Of  the  total  number  who  perished,  145,000  rest  in  graves 
marked  unknown.  In  all,  275,000  found  their  last  resting 
place  in  the  soil  of  the  Southern  States. 


300      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

The  most  recent  and  careful  estimate  of  the  losses  of  the 
One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth,  made  at  the  Adjutant- 
General's  office  in  Albany,  New  York,  gives  the  figures : 

Officers.     Enlisted  Men. 

Killed  ......  7  71 

Died  of  wounds  ....  8  55 

Died  of  disease         .....  i  io"i 

Accidentally  killed  ,  4 

Suicide          ......  I 

Died  of  other  known  causes      ...  2 

Died  of  causes  unknown     ....  7 


Totals  ....  16  221 237 

Of  the  number,  two  officers  died  of  wounds  in  rebel  pris 
ons,  and  one  from  disease.  Of  the  enlisted  men  who  died 
of  wounds,  five  were  at  the  time  of  death  in  rebel  prisons, 
while  fifty-six  died  there  through  disease. 

It  was  not  all  stern  strife  at  the  front.  Laughter  and  song 
had  their  place,  and  sports  and  practical  jokes  did  somewhat 
to  relieve  the  stern  circumstance  of  war.  Chapters  might  be 
written  on  the  pleasant  sides  of  army  life,  and  the  memories 
of  making  and  breaking  camp  linger  in  the  minds  of  soldiers. 
A  rich  harvest  in  the  form  of  overcoats,  blankets,  and  all 
sorts  of  traps,  with  not  a  little  food  discarded  from  haver 
sacks  and  knapsacks  overladen  with  eight  days  rations,  was 
gathered  more  than  once  by  Virginia  farmers  along  Virginia 
roads  after  such  a  break  up  of  camp  life  as  our  long  encamp 
ment  at  Stevensburg,  Virginia. 

No  particular  mention  has  been  made  in  these  pages  of 
the  naval  exploits  of  the  war — along  the  Atlantic  coast,  at 
Mobile  Bay,  at  New  Orleans,  and  at  other  places,  on  the  Mis 
sissippi  and  on  the  high  seas.  But  they  can  be  placed  with 
honor  beside  the  greatest  naval  exploits  of  all  history,  and 
they  exalt  at  once  the  names  of  Foote,  Porter,  Farragut,  and 
of  others  rendering  most  valuable  service,  and  the  honor  of 
the  American  Republic.  The  blockade  of  our  long  Southern 
coast  was  a  marvel  of  success,  and  distinct  naval  battles 
rank  with  the  bravest  and  most  brilliant,  and,  to  the  Union 


AT  HOME.  3OI 

guns,  the  most  successful  in  all  naval  annals.  The  army  and 
the  navy  bore  equally  honorable  part  in  the  great  struggle. 

The  cost  of  the  war  in  money  was  by  no  means  inconsid 
erable.  The  debt  of  the  United  States  on  June  3Oth,  1860, 
was,  $64,769,703.  On  the  3ist  of  March  1865,  it  was 
$2,423,437,061.  January  1st,  1886,  it  was  $2,749,491,745. 

To  the  curious,  some  figures  will  have  interest  that  were 
taken  from  Secretary  Stanton's  report  made  after  the  close 
of  the  war.  According  to  that  report,  the  United  States, 
during  the  war,  provided  7,892  cannon,  11,787  artillery  car 
riages,  4,000,000  small  arms,  2,225,000  accoutrements  for 
infantry  and  cavalry,  500,000  cavalry  horses,  I ,ooo,OOO,OOO 
cartridges  for  small  arms,  1,200.000,000  percussion  caps, 
3,000,000  rounds  of  field  artillery  ammunition,  14,000,000 
cannon  primes  and  fuses,  13,000,000  artillery  projectiles, 
26,000,000  pounds  of  gunpowder,  and  96,000,000  pounds  of 
lead.  But  all  these  things — expenditures  of  money  ;  use  of 
implements  ;  quantity  of  clothing ;  weight  of  metal,  number 
of  cannonballs  and  bullets — all  these  combined  are  of  less 
moment  than  the  outlay  of  life,  and  the  suffering  endured. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  marched  from  its  po 
sition  at  Appomattox  to  Burksville,  Virginia,  on  the  1 3th  of 
April.  It  was  at  the  latter  place  when  the  news  of  the  as 
sassination  of  President  Lincoln  was  received.  It  remained 
there  through  the  month  of  April.  Then  our  faces  were 
turned  northward.  The  regiment  marched  via  Richmond 
and  Fredericksburg  to  Arlington  Heights,  opposite  Washing 
ton.  Here  the  muster-out  papers  of  the  men  were  prepared. 
The  regiment  occupied  its  place  in  the  line  at  the  grand 
review  on  the  22d  and  23d  of  May,  1865. 

On  the  5th  of  June  the  regiment  left  Washington  for  home. 
We  arrived  in  Baltimore  12  M.  of  the  6th  ;  at  Philadelphia, 
4  P  M.,  June  6th  ;  at  New  York,  7  A  M.  of  the  7th.  The  reg 
iment  reached  Albany  by  special  transport,  June  8th.  We 
were  greeted  by  a  special  committee,  consisting  of  Aldermen 
Charles  Eddy,  James  R.  Prentice  and  James  Smart,  from  the 


302       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.   S.  VOLS. 

Common  Council.  We  marched  that  same  day  to  Troy,  and 
were  received  by  the  Twenty-fourth  Regiment  N.  Y.  S.  N.  G., 
and  by  the  Firemen  of  the  city.  In  the  parade  through  the 
city,  the  Third  Vermont  Battery — on  its  way  home — partici 
pated.  On  Cannon  Place  Square,  the  Hon.  John  A.  Griswold 
gave  an  address  of  welcome,  to  which  fitting  response  was 
made  by  Colonel  Joseph  Hyde.  The  Rev.  George  C.  Bald 
win,  D.  D.,  than  whom  no  better  friend  of  the  soldier  lived, 
offered  prayer.  The  regiment  was  entertained  at  Harmony 
Hall ;  and  then  returned  to  the  camp-ground  on  the  Albany 
road.  Here,  on  the  1 5th  of  June,  final  payment  was  made 
to  the  men  present,  and  the  regiment  was  mustered  out  of 
the  service. 

The  writer  now  lays  aside  from  this  work  a  pen  which  has 
wrought  at  least  steadily  during  months  past.  He  knows 
full  well  that  he  has  told  his  story  imperfectly.  He  would 
gladly  have  given  in  full  the  record  of  every  man  who  fought 
and  fell,  or  in  any  way  served  in  the  regiment.  If  he  has 
erred,  it  has  been  in  saying  too  little,  rather  than  too  much. 
The  too  much  would  have  swelled  this  volume  into  propor 
tions  too  great  for  the  purpose  in  view — of  a  regimental  his 
tory  set  in  a  framework  of  the  general  facts  of  the  war.  If 
any  of  the  former  comrades  miss  lines  here  that  they  would 
have  been  glad  to  read,  let  them  not  think  that  the  hand 
willingly  withheld  the  merited  word.  The  task,  begun  in  sol 
dierly  love  for  brave,  true  men,  has  been  wrought  to  its  close 
with  heart  kindling  at  the  memories  of  the  exciting  scenes 
of  other  days.  These  pages,  written  amid  an  exceptional 
pressure  of  imperative  duties,  are  doubtless  marred  by  im 
perfections.  But  the  earnest  purpose  has  been  to  tell  a  true 
story  of  service  and  perils. 

In  one  sense  the  old  scenes  have  faded  into  the  back 
ground  ;  in  another  sense,  do  they  come  more  to  the  front  as 
the  years  progress.  The  war,  in  its  experience  to  those  ac 
tually  engaged,  was  a  duty  to  be  done,  a  stern  work  to  be 
wrought,  with  the  sense  of  glory  then  greatly  absent.  Now, 
it  is  a  task  completed,  with  its  meaning  transparent,  with  its 


THE  WAR  A  SUCCESS.  303 

glory  manifest,  with  its  grand  end  before  us.  Yet,  the  wri 
ter  cannot  forbear  the  expression  of  wonder  at  human  na 
ture  which  delights  rather  in  the  records  of  war  than  in  the 
annals  of  peace.  To  every  one  who  has  moved  repeatedly 
over  battlefields,  in  the  height  of  the  struggle,  in  the  din  of 
the  strife,  unspeakably  dreadful  has  it  seemed  that  men 
should  take  up  arms  against  one  another ;  that  great  causes 
have  from  time  immemorial  been  decided  by  the  capture  of 
lines  of  works  and  positions  of  strength  ;  by  the  capture  and 
destruction  of  men.  Oft  under  circumstances  of  immediate 
danger  and  in  actual  battle  did  the  question  arise  :  "  Does  it 
pay?"  And  as  the  great  principles  behind  and  within  the  con 
flict  struggled  to  the  front  and  made  stronger  impression 
than  the  sense  of  peril  and  the  dread  incidents  of  battle,  the 
answer  found  earnest  place  :  "  Yes  :  There  are  some  things 
worth  all  this — blood  and  life  itself."  He  who  came  to  give 
peace,  came  also,  "  not  to  send  peace  on  the  earth,  but  a 
sword."  He  who  conquered  spiritual  peace  by  his  own  cross 
and  sacrifice,  oft  traces  the  path  of  civil  and  social  peace 
over  Calvarys  of  human  suffering,  and  calls  the  better, 
broader,  grander  life,  in  resurrection  glory,  out  of  the 
sepulchres  of  our  dead. 

The  Civil  War  in  America,  beyond  doubt,  ranks  among 
the  greatest — in  its  duration,  the  number  and  fearfulness  of 
its  battles — of  all  history.  It  was  the  bloody  outflowering 
of  forces  long  at  work  in  our  country.  Like  the  slow  accre 
tion  of  elements  beneath  the  surface,  manifesting  themselves 
in  rumblings  and  increasing  earthquake  shocks,  until  at  last 
the  pent  up  forces  burst  the  crust  and  leap  in  volcanic  fires 
heavenward  and  pour  destruction  on  fiery  flood  ; — so,  through 
generations  matured  those  elements  in  our  land  that  sprang 
forth  in  tongues  of  flame — of  flame  that  sought  to  destroy; 
but  whose  tongues,  as  with  Pentecostal  force,  proclaimed  lib 
erty  to  the  slave,  and  heralded  a  better  future  for  America, 
and  a  grander  civilization  for  the  world.  Be  the  lips  palsied 
that  would  apologize  for  the  conflict  for  Liberty  and  the 
Union.  Let  right  hand  " forget  its  cunning"  that  would 


304       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

withhold  merited  praise  from  the  brave  and  the  true  ;  and 
braver  and  truer  served  nowhere  and  in  no  armies,  than  did 
the  men  who  fought  and  suffered,  who  struggled  and  tri 
umphed  in  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  New  York 
Volunteers. 


[With  honest  reluctance  does  the  writer  yield  to  the  earn 
estly  yet  kindly-urged  request  that  the  following  words  ap 
pear  in  this  book.  Except  for  considerations  of  respect  to 
those  who  have  signed  the  paper,  he  would  even  at  the  last 
withhold  it  from  these  pages.] 

We,  the  undersigned,  late  commissioned  officers  of  the 
1 25th  N.  Y.  Vol.  Infantry,  wishing  to  pay  a  tribute  of  re 
spect  to  a  worthy  officer,  respectfully  represent : 

That  Ezra  D.  Simons  enlisted  in  the  One  Hundred  and 
Twenty-fifthRegiment,  N.  Y.  Vol.  Infantry,  in  August,  1862, 
as  a  private ;  was  immediately  thereafter  promoted  to  com 
missary-sergeant,  which  position  he  held  until  the  post  of 
Chaplain  became  vacant. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Crandell,  then  in  command  of  the  regi 
ment,  having  known  Sergeant  Simons  intimately  for  seven 
years  and  over,  and  knowing  that  he  had  prepared  himself 
for  the  ministry,  and  also  knowing  his  peculiar  fitness  for 
the  position,  recommended  him  to  Governor  Seymour  for 
the  position  of  Chaplain.  He  was  duly  commissioned,  com 
mission  bearing  date  March,  1863,  with  rank  from  March  2d, 
1863.  He  obtained  leave  of  absence  to  go  to  Troy  and  was 
there  duly  ordained  a  Minister  of  the  Gospel,  after  which  he 
reported  to  his  commanding  officer  at  Centreville,  Va.,  and 
immediately  took  upon  himself  the  duties  of  Chaplain  of  his 
regiment.  He  served  the  men  faithfully  as  a  Christian  ;  hold 
ing  meetings  as  often  as  circumstances  would  admit,  and 
soon  won  the  respect  of  both  officers  and  men.  He  was  with 
the  regiment  at  Harper's  Ferry,  and  at  Gettysburg  he  fol 
lowed  closely  in  the  charge  of  July  2d  ;  assisting  and  attend- 


WORDS  OF  OFFICERS.  305 

ing  19  the  wounded  of  our  regiment,  and  laboring  incessantly 
for  them  so  long  as  they  remained  on  the  field.  Letters 
were  written  by  some  of  the  wounded  to  their  friends  at 
home,  commending  the  Chaplain  for  his  untiring  efforts  to 
administer  to  their  wants.  He  was  with  his  regiment  at  Au 
burn  Hill  and  Bristoe  Station  and  was  with  the  reconnoiter- 
ing  party  that  crossed  Robertson  River  under  command  of 
Captain  George  E.  Lemon.  He  was  at  the  side  of  Colonel 
Crandell  at  Morton's  Ford,  wading  the  river  and  remaining 
with  the  regiment  throughout  the  engagement.  He  was  in 
the  V/ilderness  Campaign,  and  at  the  front  at  Po  River, 


REV.   EZRA  D.   SIMONS. 


Spottsylvania,  North  Anna,  Totopotomoy  and  Cold  Harbor. 
On  the  22d  of  June,  1864,  he  with  others  tried  to  rally  the 
broken  line  ;  and  later,  at  Ream's  Station,  did  lead  back  a 
force  into  the  right  of  the  works.  He  was  at  Deep  Bottom 
and  Strawberry  Plains  in  July  and  August,  1864;  and  led 
the  regiment  at  the  side  of  Colonel  Hyde  in  all  the  move 
ments  and  charges  of  the  last  campaign  of  the  war.  He  was 
brevetted  Colonel  on  the  field  for  meritorious  service  ;  but 
the  quickly  occurring  changes  of  an  active  campaign,  and  his 
own  reticence  prevented  a  formal  confirmation  of  the  brevet. 


306      ONE  HUNDRED  AND   TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

He  was  on  the  skirmish-line  on  the  8th  of  April,  1865,  when 
flags  of  truce  were  passing  the  lines,  and  was  at  the  extreme 
front  on  the  day  of  Lee's  surrender,  April  Qth,  1865.  He 
was  commissioned  Adjutant  July  I3th,  1864,  with  rank  from 
June  26th,  but,  complying  with  the  expressed  desire  of  the 
men,  he  retained  his  position  as  Chaplain.  He  loved  the 
men  of  the  regiment  and  was  in  return  dearly  loved  and  re 
spected  by  them.  He  was  meek  in  spirit,  brave  in  emergency, 
always  ready  to  do  his  duty  regardless  of  consequences. 

Owing  to  his  extreme  modesty  in  writing  his  own  history, 
we,  the  subscribers,  knowing  the  foregoing  to  be  facts,  re 
quest  and  insist  that  the  same  be  published  in  the  History 
of  the  Regiment,  now  being  prepared,  with  our  names  and 
rank  respectively  affixed,  in  order  to  show  our  appreciation 
of  his  excellent  services,  not  only  as  Chaplain,  but  as  Adju 
tant,  and  our  kindly  feeling  and  affection  for  him  ;  and  we 
desire  to  hand  the  same  down  in  history  to  future  genera 
tions,  that  others  may  emulate  his  high  Christian  character 
and  patriotism. 

NAME.  RANK. 

Levin  Crandell,  Colonel. 

Wm.  S.  Cooper,  Surgeon. 

Washington  Akin,  Ass't  Surgeon. 

E.  A.  Hartshorn,  Captain. 

William  D.  Taylor,  Captain. 

Lee  Churchill,  Captain. 

George  W.  Pettit,  Captain. 

Joseph  Egolf,  Captain. 

William  Halon,  Captain. 

Bennet  G.  Barto,  Lieutenant. 

William  H.  Evans,  Lieutenant. 

Henry  M.  Clum,  Captain. 

Robert  E.  Myer,  2d  Lieutenant. 

Donald  Gillies,  Jr.,  2d  Lieutenant. 

Samuel  C.  Armstrong,  Major. 

George  E.  Lemon,  Captain. 


THE  NATION'S  DEAD. 


BY    CAPTAIN    E.    A.    HARTSHORN. 

Memorial  day. 

A  willing  tribute  to  the  silent  throng 
When  comrades  living  join  in  requiem  song, 
And  strew  the  flowers  where  comrades  dead  have  Ion; 

Been  laid  away. 

Till  memories  fade, 

Stern  loyalty  the  grand  old  Union  saves — 
And  on  each  sacred  mound  the  old  flag  waves ; 
Thank  God,  our  dead,  who  sleep  in  Southern  graves- 
Rest  'neath  its  shade. 

Brave  comrades,  rest, 
No  more  the  scorpion  sting  of  minie  ball, 
And  crack  of  solid  shot — when  thousands  fall; 
No  more  the  after-battle's  dread  roll-call — 

Rest,  ever  blest. 

Far  from  the  fight : 

No  more  to  hear  the  shrill  Confederate  yell, 
The  hum  and  flutter  of  exploding  shell, 
Nor  gaze  on  bleeding  comrades  brave,  who  fell — 

At  left  and  right. 

Comrades,  prepare. 

Many  new  names  on  yonder  roll  appear 
Since  flowers  were  strewn  and  dirges  sung  last  year; 
Three  brave  commanders  more,  who  knew  no  fear — 

Now  muster  there. 

And  orders  go 

For  steady  step  aside  to  the  silent  right — 
To  close  our  ranks  as  spirits  take  their  flight — 
Detailed  for  service  in  the  realms  of  light — 

Where  dwells  no  foe. 

Who  next — who  last, 
Death's  orders  to  obey,  like  veteran  true, 
To  strike  the  earthly  tent — to  doff  the  blue 
And  don  the  white ;  to  march  in  grand  review — 

Life's  warfare  past ! 


ROSTER, 


ONE    HUNDRED    AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  NEW 
YORK  VOLUNTEERS, 


-;7->  ,->x"/v  "-,-(^~f     ,.5 

:m^--'  Hsfe** 

UPRISING  OF  THE  LOYAL  NORTH. 


EXPLANATION. 

This  Roster  has  been  prepared  with  all  possible  care.  Every  available  source 
of  information  has  been  used  in  the  effort  to  make  the  record  complete.  But, 
notwithstanding  all  the  carefulness,  mistakes  may  here  be  found  by  those  directly 
interested.  Such  errors  have  a  place  even  on  the  records  of  the  Adjutant-Gen 
eral's  office  If  there  is  omission  here  that  detracts  from  any  one;  or  additions 
which  reflect  upon  any  one,  such  must  be  corrected  by  the  hand  of  charity.  If 
mistakes  appear,  and  any  one  will  write  to  the  author  of  this  book,  the  correc 
tions  will  be  made  in  the  second  edition  of  the  book. 

Readers  will  please  make  note,  that  the  figures  appearing  directly  after  each 
name  indicate  the  age  at  the  time  of  enlistment;  the  date,  next  following,  stands 
for  the  day  of  enlistment.  The  term  "mustered  out  "  means,  mustered  out  with 
the  regiment  at  the  close  of  the  war. 


ROSTER. 


ORIGINAL  FIELD  AND  STAFF. 

Griswold,  John  A.     Colonel.     Declined;  not  mustered. 

Willard,  George  L.     Colonel.     Killed  at  Gettysburg,  Pa.,  July  2,  1863. 

Crandell,  Levin.     Lieut. -Col.     Promoted  Colonel.     Resigned  Dec.  14,  '64. 

Bush,  James.     Major.     Resigned  March  14,  '63. 

Sheldon,  Elias  P.     Adjutant.     Discharged  for  physical  disability,  May  14,  '64. 

Promoted  Brevet-Captain. 
Ball,  L.  Chandler.     Reg'l  Quartermaster.     Mustered  out  March  20,  '63.  to  take 

position  of  Major  and  Ass't  Paymaster  U.  S.  A. 

Cooper,  William  S.     Surgeon.     Mustered  out  with  regiment.      Brevet-Colonel. 
Benedict,  Abijah  G.     Ass't  Surgeon.      Resigned  Nov.  18,  '62. 
Akin,  Washington.     Ass't  Surgeon.      Mustered  out  with  regiment. 
Barlow,  Joseph  L.     Chaplain.     Resigned  Feb.  14,  '63,  for  physical  disability. 


Promotions  in  Field  and  Staff. 

Myer,  Aaron  B.  Lieut. -Col.  Promoted  from  Major  and  Captain.  Died  May 
8,  '64,  of  wounds  received  May  6,  '64. 

Armstrong,  Samuel  C.  Major.  Promoted  from  Captain.  Appointed  Lieut.  - 
Col.  gth  Inf'y.  U.  S.  Colored  Troops,  Nov.  13,  '63. 

Hyde,  Joseph.  Lieut. -Col.  Promoted  from  Major,  Captain  and  Lieutenant. 
Mustered  out. 

Owen,  George  H.     Ass't  Surgeon.     Discharged  March  9,  '65. 

Jenkins,  George  W.  Reg'l  Quartermaster.  Promoted  from  Quartermaster- 
Sergeant.  Mustered  out. 

Simons,  Ezra  D.  Chaplain.  Promoted  from  Commissary  Sergeant  March  2, 
'63.  Enlisted  as  private  Aug.  13,  '62. 

Miller,  Merritt  B.  Adjutant.  Died  June  26,  of  wounds  received  June  22,  '64. 
Promoted  from  Sergeant,  Sergeant-Major  and  2d  Lieutenant. 

Brainerd,  W.  H.  H.     Major.      Promoted  from  Adjutant.     Mustered  out. 

Hatch,  James  H.     Adjutant.      Promoted  from  Sergeant-Major.     Mustered  out. 


Original  Line  Officers. 

Cornell,  Dudley  E.     Captain.     Resigned  Nov.  19,  '62. 
Myer,  Aaron  B.     Captain.     Promoted  to  be  Major. 
Esmond,  Fred.  C.     Captain.     Resigned  Dec.  n,  '62. 
Armstrong,  Samuel  C.     Captain.     Promoted  to  be  Major. 
Dimond,  William.     Captain.      Resigned  Sept.  28,  '62. 


312      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

Penfield,  Nelson.     Captain.     Injured  by  fall  of  tree  at  Cold  Harbor.     Resigned 

Feb.,  '64. 
Lemon,    George   E.     Captain.     Wounded  at  Bristoe,  Oct.    14,  '63.     Resigned 

and  mustered  out  May  15,  '65. 
Wood,  Ephraim.     Captain.     Mortally  wounded  at  Gettysburg,  July  3,  '63.     Died 

July  4,  '63. 

Jones,  E.  P.     Captain.     Killed  in  action  at  Spottsylvania,  Va. ,  May  12.  '64. 
Vandenburg,  J.  V.  W.     Captain.     Dismissed  May  12,  '63.      Reinstated  but  not 

remustered. 


Promotions  to  Rank  of  Captain* 

Hartshorn,  Edward  A.     Promoted  from  ist  Lieutenant.     Resigned  Nov.  2,  '63. 

Sheldon,  Thomas  F.     Promoted  from  ist  Lieutenant.     Resigned. 

Plumb,  William  H.  Jr.     Promoted  from  ist  Lieut.     Killed,  Bristoe  Oct  14,  '63. 

Chamberlin,  Frank.      Promoted  from  ist  Lieut.     Resigned. 

Newcomb,  WTalter  K.     Promoted  from  ist  Lieut.     Died  of  fever,  Aug.  9,  '63* 

Hyde,  Joseph.      Promoted  from  ist  Lieut.,  and  subsequently  to  field  officer. 

Hakes,  William  H.     Promoted  from  2d  and  ist  Lieut.     Resigned  June  29,  '64. 

Quay,    John.     Promoted    from   2d   and    ist  Lieut.     Resigned   on    account   of 

wounds. 
Taylor,  William  D.     Promoted  from  2d  and  ist  Lieut.     Resigned  on  account  of 

sickness. 

Haskell,  Harry  L.     Promoted  from  Sergeant- Major  and  2d  Lieut.     Resigned. 
Crandell,   Lewis  H.      Promoted  from  5th  Sergeant  and  2d  Lieut.     Resigned, 

physical  disability. 
Egolf ,  Joseph.     Discharged  on  account  of  severe  wounds  received  at  Ream's 

Station,  Aug,  25,  '64. 

Morey,  Fred.  A.      Discharged  on  account  of  severe  wounds  received  May  6,  '64. 
Babcock,   William  H.     Promoted  from  Lieutenant.     Taken  prisoner  at  Ream's 

Station.     Mustered  out. 


Original   1  st  Lieutenants* 

Hartshorn,  Edward  A.     Promoted  to  Captain. 

Taylor,  Charles  H.     Resigned  Oct.  21,  '62. 

Plumb,  William  H.  Jr.     Promoted  to  Captain. 

Sheldon,  Thomas  F.     Promoted  to  Captain. 

Bush,  Calvin.     Resigned  Feb.  n,  '63,  physical  disability. 

Chamberlin,  Frank.     Promoted  to  Captain. 

Newcomb,  Walter  K.     Promoted  to  Captain. 

Hyde,  Joseph.     Promoted  to  Captain. 

Buchanan,  Archibald.      Resigned  Feb.  20,  '63. 

Pickett,  Charles  A.     Resigned  June  22,  '63. 


ROSTER.  313 

Promotions  to  Rank  of  1  st  Lieutenant. 

Quay,  John.     Promoted  to  Captain. 

Hakes,  William  H.     Promoted  to  Captain. 

Jolls,  Egbert.     Resigned  Feb.  6,  '63. 

Stevens,  Lyndon  H.     Resigned  Jan.  19,  '64,  physical  disability. 

Townsend,  Benj.  R.  Promoted  from  2d  Lieut.  Appointed  Major  2d  U.  S. 
Colored  Troops,  Nov.  9,  63. 

Taylor,  William  D.     Promoted  to  Captain. 

Hull,  Egbert  B.  Promoted  from  2d  Lieut.  Died  in  rebel  hospital  of  wounds 
received  June  22,  '64. 

O'Conner,  Edward.     Resigned  March  3,  '64. 

Barto,  Bennett  G.     Resigned  March  14,  '64. 

Miller,  Merritt  B.     Promoted  to  be  Adjutant. 

Crandell,  Lewis  H.     Promoted  to  be  Captain. 

Churchill,  Lee.     Resigned  on  account  of  wounds  received  June  21,  '64. 

Milner,  William.     Resigned  June  24,  '64. 

Bryan,  George  A.     Killed  in  action  June  16,  '64,  near  Petersburg,  Va. 

Coleman,  J.  De  Witt.     Killed  in  action  June  16,  '64,  near  Petersburg,  Va. 

Clum,  Henry  M.  Taken  prisoner  at  Ream's  Station,  Va.,  Aug  25,  '64.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Reynolds,  Albert.     Promoted  from  ist  Sergeant.     Discharged  April  16,  '65. 

White,  David  E.  Promoted  from  2d  Lieutenant,  from  Com.  Sergeant  and  from 
Sergeant  Co.  E.  Mustered  out. 

Brainerd,  David.     Promoted  from  ist  Sergeant. 

Jackson,  Edward  C.     Promoted  from  ist  Sergeant. 

Tilley,  James  L.     Promoted  from  2d  Lieutenant  and  from  private. 

Pettit,  George  W.     Promoted  from  2d  Lieutenant  and  from  ist  Sergeant. 

Clapp,  E.  S.  P.     Promoted  from  2d  Lieutenant  and  from  Corporal. 

Morey,  Fred.  A.     Promoted  from  2d  Lieutenant. 


Original  2d  Lieutenants. 


Hakes,  William  H.     Promoted. 
Quay,  John.     Promoted. 
Coniskey,  David.     Resigned  Jan.   15,  '63. 
Carden,  Patrick.     Resigned  Oct.  21,  '62. 
Jolls,  Egbert.     Promoted. 
Taylor,  William  D.     Promoted. 
Stevens,  Lewis  H.     Promoted. 
Hagadorn,  David.     Resigned  Oct.  21,  '62. 
Fink,  Edward.     Resigned  Feb.  20,  '63. 
Steele,  McGregor.     Resigned  Dec.  26,  '62. 


314        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 
Promotions  to  Rank  of  2d  Lieutenant. 

Townsend,  Benjamin  R.     Promoted  ist  Lieutenant. 

Hull,  Egbert  B.     Promoted  ist  Lieutenant. 

Churchill,  Lee.     Promoted  ist  Lieutenant. 

Cleminshaw,  Sherman.     Transferred  to  Invalid  Corps,  Feb.  15,  64. 

O'Conner,  Edward.      Promoted. 

Barto,  Bennett  G.     Promoted. 

Miller,  Merritt  B.     Promoted. 

Crandell,  Lewis  H.     Promoted. 

Bryan,  George  A.     Promoted. 

Haskell,  Harry  L.     Promoted. 

Milner,  William.     Promoted. 

Goodrich,  Aaron  J.     Dismissed  Feb.  10,  '64. 

Gillies,  Donald.  Dismissed  July  n,  '64. — For  a  mistaken  reason  given  by  him 
self.  A  true  man  and  a  brave  officer. 

Morey,  Fred.  A.     Promoted. 

Coleman,  J.  DeWitt.     Promoted. 

Barnes,  Edward  N.     Died  in  rebel  hospital  of  wound  received  June  22,  '64. 

Cleminshaw,  Charles  E.     Killed  at  Spottsylvania,  Va,.  May  12,  '64. 

Tilley,  James  L.     Promoted. 

Babcock,  William  H.  Taken  prisoner  Aug.  25,  '64,  Ream's  Station,  Va. 
Mustered  out. 

Green,  Eglon  L.     Died  June  2,  of  wounds  received  May  31,  '64. 

Carpenter,  Risley  J.     Resigned  July  13,  '64. 

White,  David  E.     Promoted  to  ist  Lieutenant. 

Halon,  William.     Promoted  from  ist  Sergeant. 

Keuster,  John.     Promoted  from  Sergeant. 

Blair,  William.     Promoted  from  ist  Sergeant. 

Myer,  Robert  E.     Promoted  from  Sergeant. 

Evans,  William.     Promoted  from  Sergeant. 


Promoted,  but  for  Various  Reasons  Not   Mustered. 

Clark,  Harrison.     2d  Lieutenant.     From  Color  Sergeant.     Severely  wounded. 
Bates,  Stephen.     2d  Lieutenant.     Severely  wounded. 
Clay,  Thomas.     2d  Lieutenant.     Died  in  rebel  prison,  Nov.  10,  '64. 
Wallace,  George  L.     ist  Lieutenant.     From  chief  musician. 
Allen,  Charles  L.     Ass't  Surgeon.     Discharged  Dec.  I,  '62. 
Tyler,  Franklin  T.     ist  Lieutenant. 
Simons,  Ezra  D.     Adjutant.     Remained  Chaplain. 
Egolf,  Joseph.     Major.     Discharged  on  account  of  wounds. 
•  Churchill,  Lee.     Captain.     Afterwards  Brevet-Major. 


ROSTER.  3T5 

Officers  Mustered  Out  With  the  Regiment. 

Colonel,  Joseph  Hyde.  Major,  W.  H.  H.  Erainerd. 

Surgeon,  William  S.  Cooper.  Ass't  Surgeon,  Washington  Akin. 

Chaplain,    Ezra  D.  Simons.  Adjutant,  James  IT.  Hatch. 

A  Company:     ist  Lieutenant,  Henry  M.  Clum. 

B         "  Captain,  Edward  C.  Jackson. 

2d  Lieutenant,  William  H.  Evans. 
C         "  ist  Lieutenant,  Francis  Clarkson. 

D         "  Captain,  William  H.  Babcock. 

E         "  Captain,  James  L.  Tilley. 

ist  Lieutenant,  Charles  E.  Sweet. 
F         "  Captain,  William  Halon. 

G         ' '  No  officers  mustered  out. 

H        "  Captain,  George  W.  Pettit. 

I          "  ist  Lieutenant,  Charles  Bates. 

2d  Lieutenant,  John  Keuster. 
K        "  ist  Lieutenant,  Edward  L.  Shaw. 


Original  Non-Commissioned  Staff. 

O'Connor,  William.     Quartermaster-Sergeant. 
Simons,  Ezra  D.     Commissary-Sergeant. 
Haskell,  Harry  L.     Sergeant-Major. 
Morey,  Fred.  A.     Hospital  Steward. 


Promotions  to  Non-Commissioned  Staff. 

Jenkins,  George  W.     Quartermaster-Sergeant. 
White,  David  E.     Commissary-Sergeant. 
Carpenter,  Risley  J.     Sergeant-Major. 
Cleminshaw,  Charles  E.     Quartermaster-Sergeant. 
Hatch,  James  H.     Sergeant-Major. 
Shaw,  Edward  L.     Quartermaster-Sergeant. 
Clarkson,  Francis.     Quartermaster-Sergeant. 
Mattison,  M.  V.  B.     Sergeant-Major. 
Lincoln,  William  C.     Quartermaster-Sergeant. 
Green,  Josiah,  Jr.     Commissary-Sergeant. 
Wallace,  George  L.      Principal  Musician. 
Derkin,  WTilliam  D.      Hospital  Steward. 


Regimental  Color  Bearers. 

Lewis  Smith.     C  Company.  Harrison  Clark.     E  Company. 

Philip  Brady.     I  Company.  Charles  S.  Davis.     B  Company. 

Albert  B.  Green.     D  Company.  Charles  W.  Belknap.      II  Company. 

[Three  of  these  Color  Sergeants  were  killed,  and  the  others  were  wounded.] 


316        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

A    COMPANY. 

[This  Company  was  enlisted  at   Hoosic   Falls,   Petersburg  and  Lansingburg, 
July  and  August,  1862.     It  left  Troy  with  3  officers  and  108  enlisted  men.] 
Commissioned  Officers 

Captains — D.  E.  Cornell.     Discharged,  physical  disability. 
T.  F.  Sheldon.      Discharged,  physical  disability. 

First  Lieutenants — E.  A.  Hartshorn.     Transferred  to   E   Company  as  Captain. 
John  Quay.     Transferred  to  D.  Company  as  Captain. 
E.  S.  P.  Clapp.     Died  of  wounds  received  May  12,  '64. 
Henry  M.  Clum.      Returned  home  with  regiment. 

Second  Lieutenants — W.  H.  Hakes.     Transferred  to  B.    Co.  as  ist  Lieutenant. 
B.  G.  Barto.     Transferred  to  G  Co.  as  ist.  Lieutenant. 
R.  J.  Carpenter.     Discharged. 

Enlisted  Men  : 

Dunhan,  Jesse  T.     26.     Aug.  5.     Killed,   Wilderness,  May  6,  '64. 

Callan,  William  A.     27.     Aug.  I.      Killed,  Gettysburg,  July  3,  '63. 

Sweet,  A.  B.     18.     Aug.  5.      Killed,  Wilderness,  May  6,  '64. 

Coon,  L.     31.     Aug.  9.     Mustered  out. 

Sweet,  Chas.  E.  20.  Aug.  13.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12,  and  Peters 
burg,  June  1 8,  '64.  Promoted  ist  Lieut.  Mustered  out. 

Agan,  Calvin  E.  24.  Aug.  n.  Wounded,  Bristoe,  Spottsylvania.  May  12, 
'64.  Mustered  out. 

Burrell.  Martin  E.  22.  Aug.  n.  Wounded,  Bristoe.  Prisoner,  Mine  Run. 
Died  in  rebel  prison. 

Bennett,  Jos.  H.     18.     Aug.  n.     Mustered  out. 

Buckley,  Daniel.     21.     Aug.  u.     Missing,  Chicago,  Oct.  14,  '62. 

Baker,  Solomon.     18.     Aug.  12.     Discharged  March  20,  '63. 

Bowers,  Albert  A.     31.     Aug.  13.     Discharged  Nov.  21,  '63. 

Bennett,  Staley.     31.     July  25,      Missing,  Chicago,  Oct.  19,  '62. 

Bump,  Ichabod.  31.  Aug.  13.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  18.  Prisoner. 
Mustered  out. 

Beagle,  Elijah.  25.  July  26.  Wounded,  Totopotomoy,  May  31,  '64.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Burdick,  Samuel  C.     39.     Aug.  i.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run.    Died  in  rebel  prison. 

Baldwin,  E.  A.     19.     Aug.  4.     Wounded,  Gettysburg.     Transf.  Y.  R.  C. 

Broch,  Ira.     33.     Aug.  n.     Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12.     Mustered  out. 

Barber,  Geo.     27.     July  27.     Mustered  out. 

Brown,  Jerome.     18.     Aug.  5.     Wounded,   Po  River.     Discharged. 

Brimmer,  L.  D.     27.     Aug.  4.     Missing,  Chicago  ;  do.  Wolf  Run  Shoals. 

Bates,  Chas.  A.     29.     Aug.  I.     Promoted  Lieutenant.     Mustered  out. 

Burns,  John.      19.     Aug.  17.     Discharged. 

Ball,  J.  David.     21.     Aug.  5.     \Vounded,  Spottsylvania,    May  12.  Dischaiged. 

Cobb,  Daniel  L.     41.     Aug.  9.      Transferred  to  Invalid  Corps. 

Coon,  Jos.     34.     July  25.     Wounded,  Ream's  Station,  Aug.  25.  Mustered  out. 

Corbin,  Nathan.     24.     July  24.     Discharged  April  21,  '63. 


ROSTER.  317 

•Crandell,  John  S.     23.     July  24.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C. 

Crandell,  W.  C.,  Jr.     19.     July  25.     Missing,  Chicago,  Oct.  20,  '62. 

Church,  Clark  A.     24.     Aug.  7.     Discharged  Feb.  8,  '63. 

Cutbush,  James.     22.     Aug.  9.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run.     Discharged. 

Carmody,  B.     18.     Aug.  13.     Killed,  Gettysburg,  July  2,  '63. 

Congdon,  James.     23.    Aug.  6.     Wounded,    Spottsylvania,    May  12,  died  May 

15,  '64- 

Dooley,  Edward.     23.     Aug.  u.     Missing,  Chicago,  Oct.  16,  '62. 

Donohue,  David.     24.     Aug.  13.     Prisoner.     Mustered  out. 

Durkee,  Albert  S.      18.     Aug.  n.     Mustered  out. 

Dumbleton,  Chas.  E.     22.     July  22.     Mustered  out. 

Dill,  Almon.     23.     Aug.  14.     Missing,  Chicago,  Oct.  27,  '62. 

Devine,  Zebulon.     23.     Aug.  15.     Missing,  Chicago,  Oct.  27,  '62. 

Franklin,  Wm.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run. 

Estes,  Loren.     21.     Aug.  5.     Wounded.    Mustered  out. 

Gibbins,  Thomas.  21.  Aug.  15.  Wrounded,  Gettysburg,  July  2,  '63,  and 
Petersburg,  June  16,  '64.  Mustered  out. 

Gardner,  Charles,  37.     Aug.  i.     Mustered  out. 

Gates,  Nathaniel.  44.  July  29.  Discharged  Dec.  19,  '63.  Re-enlisted. 
Wounded,  Petersburg,  June  16,  '64. 

Galangher,  Wm.  30.     Aug.  7.     Wounded,  Bristoe.     Mustered  out. 

Godby,  Ed.  B.     20.     Aug.  5.     Mustered  out. 

Grogan,  David  M.     18.     Aug.  u.     Missing,  Chicago,  Nov.  i,  '62. 

Green,  Alonzo.  21.  Aug.  u.  Wounded,  Hatcher's  Run,  March  31.  Died  in 
Division  Hospital,  April  6,  '65. 

Green,  Courtland.     24.     Aug.  12.     Transferred  V.  R.  C. 

Hawthorn,  Ira  D.     27.     July  25.     Transferred  V.  R.  C. 

Hawthorn,  John  D.     21.     July  25.     Mustered  out. 

Howard,  George  W.     23.     July  24.     Died  August  2,  '63. 

Hagner,  Charles  E.  19.  July  25.  Wounded,  Petersburg,  March  26,  '64. 
Mustered  out. 

Jones,  Daniel  B.  25.  Aug.  i.  Wounded,  Ream's  Station,  August  25,  '64. 
Mustered  out. 

Jones,  Peter  H.  27.  Aug.  u.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  18,  '64.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Keach,  Israel.     21.     Aug.  28.     Mustered  out. 

Kirlin,  Patrick,     40.     July  23.     Mustered  out. 

Kenyon,  George  W.     32.     Aug.  n.     Missing,  Chicago,  Nov.  5,  '62. 

Love,  Jason.  18.  July  25.  Taken  prisoner,  Petersburg,  June  22,  '64.  Died 
in  rebel  prison,  Dec.  21,  '64. 

Letcher,  Theron  P.  18.  July  19.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  18,  '64. 
Mustered  out. 

Lockwood,  William  G.     19.     Aug.  2.     Transferred  to  N.  Y.  Mounted  Rifles. 

Millias,  Danford  P.     21.     Aug.  4.     Discharged  Jan.  4,  '63. 

Main,  Charles  H.  18.  July  19.  Wounded,  Petersburg,  June  16,  '64.  Mus 
tered  out. 

McChesney,  Stephen  V.  R.     42.     July  25.     Mustered  out. 

Morey,  Charles  E.     Transferred  to  i6gth  N.  V.  V. 


318      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

McCumber,  Thomas  V.     18.     Aug.  9.     Mustered  out. 

Mattison,  C.  L.     22.     July  23.     Discharged  Jan.  8,  '63. 

Merithien,  Samuel. — Discharged  Dec.  19,  '62. 

McCumber,  Charles  H.     21.     Aug.  9.      Mustered  out. 

McDonald,  George.     28.     Aug.  12.     Mustered  out. 

Niles,  John  N.      18.     Aug.  12.     Mustered  out. 

O'Connor,  William.  29.  July  28.  Transferred  to  Non-Commissioned  Staff. 
Discharged. 

O'Conner,  Edward.     24.     Aug.  n.     Promoted  Lieutenant. 

Mattison,  M.  V.  B.  23.  Aug.  5.  Promoted  Sergeant- Major  and  Lieutenant. 
Mustered  out. 

Odell,  Daniel  A.     22.     July  24.     Transferred  4th  Artillery. 

Odell,  Benjamin.     37.     Aug.   n.     Discharged  March  14,  '63. 

Odell,  Jabez.     21.     Aug.  13.     Mustered  out. 

Oderkirk,  Charles  E.     20.     Aug.  n.       Deserted,  Aug.  28,  '62. 

Patterson,  Robert.  30.  Aug.  5.  Wounded,  Hatcher's  Run,  March  31.  Died 
April  19,  '65. 

Porter,  Jesse.     42.     Aug.  7.     Discharged  Oct.  5,  '63. 

Pratt,  Charles.     25.     Aug.  8.     Deserted,  Baltimore,  Sept.  i,   '62. 

Russell,  Samuel  E.     19.     Aug.  5.     Promoted  ist  Sergeant.     Mustered  out. 

Rising,  John.     28.     Aug.  12.     Discharged  Feb.  2,  '63. 

Rising,  Charles.     29.     Aug.  3.     Missing,  Chicago,  Oct.  27,  62. 

Russell,  Richard.     24.     Aug.  12.     Transferred  V.  R.  C. 

Reynolds,  Lewis.     22.     Aug.  n.      Missing,  Chicago,  Oct.  3,  '62. 

Rodgers,  Patrick.  18.  July  29.  Taken  prisoner,  Ream's  Station.  Mustered 
out. 

Riley,  James.     18.     Aug.  4.     Deserted,  Troy,  Aug.  28,  '62. 

Reynolds,  Albert.  18.  Aug.  4.  Promoted  Lieutenant.  Discharged,  April 
16,  '65. 

Rythenburgh,  Levi.      39.     Aug.   2.     Transferred  V.  R.  C. 

Sibley,  Warren  D.     36.     Aug.  13.     Mustered  out. 

Smith,  James.  36.  Aug.  n.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12,  '64.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Sweet,  Newton.      18.     Aug.  4.     Transferred,  V.  R.  C.,  Sept.  23,  '64. 

Spotten,  Samuel  L.     27.     Aug.  9.     Mustered  out. 

Snyder,  Henry  L.  23.  Aug.  n.  Wounded,  Petersburg,  June  n,  '64.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Selby,  Ralph.     23.     Aug.  4.     Discharged. 

Sweet,  Silas,     20.     Aug.  13.     Discharged  April  6,  '63. 

Tripp,  Cornelius.  21.  August,  a.  Wounded,  Ream's  Station,  Aug.  25,  '64. 
Mustered  out. 

Thornton,  Joseph.     37.     July  19.      Discharged,  disability. 

Tilley,  James  L.     18.     Aug.  5.       Promoted  Lieutenant.     Mustered  out. 

Varnum,  Jedediah.     44.     Aug.  8.     Wounded,  Gettysburg.  July  3.     Died. 

Williams,  Franklin.     21.     July  26.      Prisoner;  died  in  rebel  prison,  Aug.  3,  '64. 

"Watson,  Jeremiah.     30.     Aug.   25.     Missing,  Chicago,  Oct.  21,  '62. 

Sears,  William.     22.     Aug.  14.     Killed  at  Harper's  Ferry,  Va.,  Sept.  15,  "62. 


ROSTER.  319 

Wipple,  Wellington.     38.     July  21.     Transferred,  V.  R.  C.,  Sept.  21,  '63. 

Wager,  Charles  L.     33.     July  24.     Mustered  out. 

Waite,  Irvin  L.     21.     Aug.  i.     Mustered  out. 

Wilson,  David  H.     27.     Aug.  n.     Missing,  Chicago,  Oct.  27,  '62. 

Wager,  Isaac.     28.     Aug.  n.     Transferred,  V.  R.  C. ,  Sept.  i,  '63. 

Yandau,  Benjamin.      18.     Aug.  7.      Killed,  Bristoe,  Oct.  14,  '63. 

Haskell,  Harry  L.     22.      Aug.  26.     Promoted  Sergeant-Major  and  Lieutenant. 
Recruits: 

Parks,  Rufus  J.     18.     Jan.  7,  '64.      Prisoner,    Ream's  Station.     Died  in  rebel 
prison,  Oct.  20,  '64. 

Davis,  Eugene.      18.     Jan.  7.  '64.     Died  of  fever,  July  12,  '64. 

Reynolds,  William  H.      18.     Jan.   7,   '64.     Prisoner,   Ream's  Station.     Trans 
ferred  to  4th  Art'y. 

Jackson,  E.  C.     19.     Feb.  24.     Promoted  Lieutenant  and  Captain.     Mustered 
out. 

Carlan,  James.     26.     April  4,  '64.     Transferred  to  4th  Art'y. 

Slavan,  James.     26.     April  10,  64.     Transferred  to  4th  Art'y. 

Thomas,  William.     22.     April  12,  '64.     Transferred  to  4th  Art'y. 

Armstrong,  Joseph.     25.     April  2,  '64.     Missing,  North  Anna,  May  27,  '64. 

Kade,     William.     25.     April  7,  '64.     Transferred  to 4th  Art'y. 

Kennedy,  James.     22.     June  25.  '64.     Transferred  to  4th  Art'y. 

Conradt,  Albert  L.     18.     June  29,  '64.     Wounded,  Petersburg,  March  26,  '65. 
Died  April  20,  '65. 

Millias,  Jacob  D.     18.    Aug.  29.  '64.     Transferred  to  4th  Art'y.     Mustered  out. 

Millias,  Danford  P.     23.     Aug.  29,  '64.     Transferred  to  4th  Art'y. 

Smith,  David  H.     16.     Aug.  29,  '64.     Wounded,  Sutherland  Station,  April  2d» 

Thibadeau,  David.     19.     March  2,  '64.    Wounded,  Ream's  Station,  August  25, 
'64.     Transferred  to  4th  Art'y. 

Gates,  Nathaniel.     44.      Jan.  6,  '64.     Transferred  to  4th  Art'y. 

Lovelette,  Edward.     22.     April  5,   '64.     Wounded,   Petersburg,  June  26,   '64. 
Transferred  to  4th  Art'y. 

Skye,  Thomas.     19.     March  i,  '64.     Transferred  to  4th  Art'y. 

Mulligan,  Patrick.     39.     March  31,  '64.     Wounded,   Petersburg,  June  16,  '64. 
Discharged  May  2,  '65. 

Cody,  John.      19.     March  3,  '64. 

Corbin,  Charles.     18.     March  24,  '64.     Transferred  to  4th  Art'y. 

Frenirieve,  Baptiste.     19.     March  2,   '64.     Prisoner,   Ream's  Station.     Trans 
ferred,  V.  R.  C. 

Sweet,  Rowland.     16.     Aug.  29,  '64.      Mustered  out. 

Cory,  John.     19.     March  3,  '64.     Transferred,  V.  R.  C. 

Mustered  out  with  regiment             .  .           .             .  .           46 

Transferred       .              .              .              .              .              .  31 

Died  in  service        .             .             .             .             .  .            19 

Missing            ......  18 

Discharged              .             .             .             .             .  .            28 

142 


320        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

B    COMPANY. 

[This  Company  was  enlisted  in  Troy,   New  York,  during  July  and  August, 
1862.     It  left  Troy  with  3  officers  and  108  enlisted  men.] 

Commissioned  officers: 

Captains — A.  B.  Myer.     Transferred  to   Major. 
William  H.   Hakes.       Discharged. 
W.  H.  Newcomb.     Died  of  disease. 
Edward  C.  Jackson.     Returned  home  with  regiment. 
First  Lieutenants — C.  H.  Taylor.     Discharged. 

Lee  Churchill.     Discharged  on  account  of  wounds. 
Second  Lieutenants — John  Quay.     Transferred  as  ist  Lieutenant. 

Edward  O 'Conner.     Transferred  as  ist  Lieutenant. 

Donald  Gillies.     Discharged. 

William  H.  Evans.     Returned  home  with  regiment. 

Enlisted  Men: 

Allen,  Robert.  20.  Aug.  8.  Taken  prisoner  at  Mine  Run.  Died  in  rebel 
prison,  Aug.  6,  '64. 

Austin,  Charles.     21.     Aug.  14.     Mustered  out. 

Brown,  George.  21.  Aug.  7.  Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July,  3,  '63.  Dis 
charged  Nov.  12,  '63. 

Brown,  Joseph.  23.  Aug.  9.  Prisoner,  Mine  Run.  Died  at  Andersonville, 
June  13,  '64. 

Brown,  Franklin  WT.     22.     Aug.  9.     Discharged  Nov.  25,  '62. 

Beebe,  Henry  B.  23.  Aug.  29.  Promoted  to  Quartermaster-Sergeant  and  to 
Quartermaster,  gth  U.  S.  C.  T. 

Bulson,  Samuel.     18.     Aug.  7.     Died  at  Chicago,  Nov.  15,  '62. 

Briggs,  Aurie  D.     19.     Aug.  14.     Killed  Totopotomoy,    May  29,  '64. 

Bly,  Ransom.  23.  Aug.  24.  Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3,  '63.  Discharged 
Feb.  7,  '64. 

Buckbee,  James  H.  23.  Aug.  9.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Buttery,  Henry.     18.     Aug.  8.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run.      Mustered  out. 

Boshea,  Charles.  28.  Aug.  n.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12,  Mus 
tered  out, 

Connor,  John.     25.     Aug.  4.     Discharged  April  8,  '63. 

Cogger,  William.  20.  Aug.  4.  Prisoner,  Mine  Run.  Died  at  Anderson 
ville,  Oct.  n,  '64. 

Clum,  Henry  M.     26.     Aug.  4.     Promoted  to  Lieutenant.     Mustered  out. 

Clum,  Harvey  G.  36.  Aug.  2.  Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3.  Killed  at 
Cold  Harbor,  June  2. 

Cole,  J.  M.     28.     Aug.  4.     Killed  at  Bristoe. 

Cole,  John  A.     22.     Aug.  13.     Discharged  Feb.  16,  '63. 

Cleminshaw,  Charles  E.  21.  Aug.  4.  Promoted  Quartermaster-Sergeant  and 
Lieutenant.  Killed  at  Spottsylvania,  May  12,  '64. 

Caswell,  Edwin  B.     27.     Aug.  13.     Discharged  April  n,  '64. 

Chamberlin,  William  R.     43.     Aug.  2.     Discharged  Feb.  15,  '63. 


ROSTER.  321 

Cherbenon,  Anthony  E.     23.     Aug.  2.     Mustered  out. 

Clarkson,  Francis.  28.  Aug.  12.  Promoted  Quartermaster-Sergeant  and 
Lieutenant.  Mustered  out. 

Delany,  Charles  E.  21.  Aug.  7.  Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3,  '63.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Davis,  John.     24.     Aug.  25.     Discharged  June  16,  '64. 

Davis,  Charles  S.  29.  Aug.  9.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Davis,  Henry  J.     23.     Aug.  13.     Killed  at  Gettysburg,  July  3,  '63. 

Dutcher,  Henry.     22.     Aug.  12.     Mustered  out. 

Duffey,  John.     21.     Aug.  12.     Wounded,  Wilderness,  May  6,  and  captured. 

Eigerman,  Ed.     21.     Aug.  24.      Mustered  out. 

Ferguson,  Alexander.  25.  Aug.  n.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  18. 
Mustered  out. 

Fairbanks,  William.  31.  July  29.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  18.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Fry,  Reuben  K.     33.     Aug.  6.     Mustered  out. 

Feathers,  Adam  H.     27.     Aug.  n.     Mustered  out. 

Fletcher,  O.  A.     31.     Aug.  n.     Missing,  Chicago,  Oct.  3,  '62. 

Feathers,  John  M.     39.     Aug.  12.      Mustered  out. 

Green,  Eglon  L.     26.     Aug.  i.     Promoted  to  Lieutenant. 

Gault,  James.     25.     Aug.  12.     Wounded,  Petersburg,  June  22.     Mustered  out. 

Graham,  David.     38.     Aug.  7.     Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  2.      Mustered  out. 

Greenman,  Joel  A.     26.     Aug.  7.     Discharged  Nov.  20,  '62. 

Gault,  George  B.     19.     Aug.  5.     Discharged  Dec.  13,  '62. 

Green,  W.  H.  H.     22.     Aug.  n.     Discharged  March  10,  '63. 

Grant,  Lester  J.  24.  Aug.  4.  Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3,  '63.  Wounded, 
Southerland  Station,  April  2.  Mustered  out. 

Green,  Horatio  V.      19.     Aug.  12.     WTounded,  Auburn.     Mustered  out. 

Halon,  William.  24.  Aug.  7.  Promoted  to  Lieutenant  and  Captain.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Hollenbick,  Thomas.  26.  Aug.  12.  Prisoner,  June  22,  '64.  Died  Ander- 
sonville,  Nov.  9,  '64. 

Hamilton,  George.     22.     Aug.  — .     Mustered  out. 

Hatch,  George  E.     27.     Aug.  4     Died,  Nov.   27,  '62. 

Hatch,  James  H.  21.  July  22.  Promoted  Sergeant- Major  and  Lieutenant 
Mustered  out. 

Higgins,  Michael  H.     21.     Aug.  7.     Killed  at  Gettysburg,  July  3,  '63. 

Hines,  Clarence  A.      19.     Aug.  9.     Transferred  V.  R.  C.  Nov.  15,  '63. 

Harrington,  Herman  E.     23.     Aug.  n.     Mustered  out. 

Hull,  Thomas  J.     40.     Aug.  8.     Killed,  Cold  Harbor,  June  5,  '64. 

Kennedy,  William  S.  21.  Aug.  13.  Wounded,  Bristoe.  Discharged  March 
i,  '64. 

Luther,  George  A.     27.     Aug.  12.     Mustered  out. 

Lewis,  Leonard  L.     29.     Aug.  7.     Mustered  out. 

Lott,  Herbert  L.     23.     Aug.  2.     Discharged  June  25, '63. 

Lamphier,  David.     26.     Aug.  12.     Died,  Aug.  27,  '63. 


322      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S  VOLS. 

Myers,    Robert  E.     25.     Aug.    6.     Prisoner,    Wilderness,   May  6.     Promoted 

Lieutenant.     Mustered  out. 
Manning,    Thomas.     22.     Aug.    2.       Prisoner,    Petersburg,   June  22.       Died, 

Andersonville,  Oct.  2,  '64. 
Maddigan,  John.     28.     Aug.  2.     Wounded  and  Prisoner,  Wilderness,   May  6. 

Died,  Andersonville,  Oct.  21,  '64. 
Miller,  John  L.     33.     Aug.  2      Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3.     Transferred  to 

4th  Art'y. 

McFall,  John  A.  33.  Aug.  10.  Wounded,  Wilderness,  May  6.  Transferred 
to  4th  Art'y. 

Manchester,  George  B.      19      Aug.  i.     Killed  at  Cold  Harbor,  June  2. 

Manchester,  Charles  B.  18.  Aug.  u.  Prisoner,  Ream's  Station.  Died  at 
Salisbury,  Dec.  9,  '64. 

Nooning,  Thomas  A.     Aug.  —      Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3.    Mustered  out. 

Northrup,  Rowland.     23.     Aug.  6.     Died  June  26,  '63. 

Ogden,  Edward.     18.     Aug.  28.   Mustered  out. 

Patro,  Martin.     18.     Aug.  15.     Missing,  Chicago,  Sept.  28,   '62. 

Padley,  Richard  G.     29.     Aug.  n.     Transferred,  V.  R.  C.     April  15,  '65. 

Parsons,  Charles  S.  18.  July  28.  Prisoner,  Po  River,  May  10,  '64.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Porter,  Calvin  S.     34.     Aug.  2.     Died  in  hospital,  Sept.  10.  '64. 

Peckham,  Jefferson  D.      27.     Aug.  2.     Transferred,  Jan.  16,  '64. 

Quitterfield,  Abner,  18.  Aug.  n.  Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3 '63.  Dis. 
charged  Jan.  4,  64. 

Romanic,  John  A.     31.     Aug.  4.     Discharged  Oct.  31,  '62. 

Robbins,  Joseph  L.     30.  Aug.  13.     Missing,  Chicago,  Oct  9,  '62. 

Ripley,  Sidney,  S.  20.  Aug.  7.  Wounded,  June  16,  Petersburg  ;  also  at 
Bristoe.  Mustered  out. 

Rich,  Aaron  P.     33.     Aug.  7.     Transferred,  V.  R.  C.,  April  15,  '65. 

Reynolds,  Eleazer.  18.  Aug.  5.  Wounded,  Bristoe.  Transferred  to  4th 
Art'y. 

Rose,  William  H.     21.     Aug.  13.     Discharged  Jan.  21,  '63. 

Richer,  John  H.     21.     Aug.  10.     Missing,  Chicago,  Sept.  28,  '62. 

Roddy,  Michael.      18.     Aug.  9.     Mustered  out. 

Saunders,  John.  22.  Aug.  5.  Wounded,  Bristoe.  Died  of  wounds  received 
May  18,  '64,  near  Spottsylvania. 

Sterling,  William  H.     23.     July  29.     Discharged  Feb.  16,  '63. 

Stewart,  Hamilton.     28.     Aug.  10.     Discharged  Oct.  31,  '62. 

Smith,  Marion.      18.     Aug.  12.     Died  Aug.  21,  '63. 

Shumway,  Hiram.     28.     Aug.  9.     Mustered  out. 

Westropp,  Henry,  21.  Aug.  8.  Prisoner,  Mine  Run.  Died  at  Anderson 
ville,  April  12,  '64. 

Wiswall,  John  P.     25.     Aug.  8.     Mustered  out. 

\Valton,  James  L.     22.     Aug.  9.      Mustered  out. 

Weaver,  William,  Jr. ,  19.  Aug.  6.  Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3,  '63.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Ward,  James.     36.     Aug.  I.     Discharged  April  2,  "63. 

Wise,  George.  37.  Aug.  4.  Wounded,  Wilderness,  May  6.  Prisoner, 
Ream's  Station.  Died,  Andesonville,  April  12,  '64. 


ROSTER.  323 

"Wallace,  George  L.     23.     Aug.  15.     Promoted  Chief  Musician,  May  15,  '63. 
Winn,   James  E.       21.       Aug.    20.       Wounded    at    Gettysburg,    July    3,    '63. 

Mustered  out. 
Weaver,  Charles  H.     18.    Aug.  10.     Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3.     Wounded, 

Spottsylvania,  May  12.     Transferred  to  4th  Art'y. 
Wilson,  Andrew  J.     26.     Aug.  14.      Discharged,  Jan.  23,  '63. 
Landruss,  John.     22.     Aug.  4.     Killed  at  Spottsylvania,  May  18,  '64. 

Recruits: 

James,  William.     19.     March  3,  "64.     Transferred  to  4th  Art'y. 
Cross,  Jamrs  H.     24.     Sept.  9,  '64.     Mustered  out., 
Long,  Frederick.     40.     Sept.  26,  '64.     Mustered  out. 
Bennet,  Michael.     26.     Sept.  26,  '64.     Wounded,   Hatcher's  Run,   March  31, 

'65.     Mustered  out. 

Annesty,  George  B.     18.     April  I,  '65.     Transferred  to  4th  Art'y. 
Burges,  Charles.     40.      March  29,  '65.     Transferred  to  4th  Art'y. 
Haight,  Louis.     18.      March  28,  '65.     Transferred  to  4th  Art'y. 
Kirlin,  John.     19.     April  10,  '65.     Transferred  to  4th  Art'y. 

Mustered  out  with  regiment             .             .              .             .  38 

Transferred       .              .              .              .              .              .  21 

Died  in  service        .             .             .             .             .             .  24 

Missing             ......  4 

Discharged              .                           ....  28 


C    COMPANY. 

[This  Company  was  enlisted  at  Lansingburg,  Schaghticoke,  Cohoes,  Pitts- 
town  and  Sand  Lake.  It  left  Troy,  New  York,  with  3  officers  and  101  enlisted 
men.] 

Commissioned  Officers: 
Captains — F.  C.  Esmond.     Discharged. 
F.  Chamberlin.     Discharged. 
First  Lieutenants — L.  H.  Stevens.     Discharged. 

William  H.  Plum.     Transferred,  Captain  F  Company. 
Francis  Clarkson.      Returned  home  with  regiment. 
Second  Lieutenants — David  Coniskey.     Discharged. 

Sherman  Cleminshaw.     Transferred  to  V.  R.  C. 
William  Halon.     Transferred,  Captain  F  Company. 
Enlisted  Men: 

Adams,  John,  (ist.)     21.     Aug.  6.     Discharged,  Oct.  4,  '64. 
Adams,  John.  (2d.)     26.     July  23.     Missing,  Chicago,  Oct.  28,  '62. 
Alexander,    Joseph   A.     18.     Aug.    6.      Prisoner,    Mine    Run.      Died,    Rebel 

Prison,  June  27,  '64. 
Atkinson,  John  N.     34.     Aug.  14.     Discharged,  March  30,  '63. 


324       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

Alexander,  George.      18.     July  23.     Killed  at  Totopotomoy,  May  31. 

Blair,  George.     25.     Aug.  n.     Missing,  Chicago,  Oct.   16,  '62. 

Bradshaw,  Thomas.     26.     July  29.     Missing,  Chicago,  Nov.  22,  '62. 

Burbank,  Albert.     20.     July  26.     Missing,  Aug.  28,  '62. 

Boston,  Hiram  F.     24.     Aug.  5.     Killed  at  Po  River,  May  10,  '64. 

Brien,  T.  \V.     40.     Aug.  7.     Never  joined  Company.     Transferred  to  i6gth 

N.  Y.  V. 
Bolton,  William.     21.     Aug.   15.     Taken  Prisoner  at  Ream's  Station,  Aug.  25, 

'64.     Mustered  out. 

Baxter,  Francis  A.     20.     July  28.   Mustered  out. 
Blair,  William.     24.     Aug.  14.     Wounded,   Spottsylvania,  May  18.     Promoted 

ist  Sergeant  and  Lieutenant. 

Brennan,  John.     42.     Aug.  4.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run.     Died  March  9,  '64. 
Bell,  William.     26.     Aug.  2.     Discharged  July  17,  '64. 
Coughlin,  Peter.     31.     Aug.  15.     Missing,  Chicago,  Aug.  28,  '62. 
Cole,  Charles  H.     42.     Aug.  n.     Discharged  Oct.  31,  '62. 
Constable,    James   W.     22.     July  28.     Wounded,    Petersburg,    June    22,    '64. 

Died  at  Belle  Island,  June  25,  '64. 
Clark,  Milford.     19.     Aug.   27.     Wounded,   Spottsylvania,   May  18.     Died  of 

wounds. 

Cassidy,  Samuel.     23.     Aug.  4.      Missing,  Chicago,  Nov.  22,  '62. 
Campbell,   Charles.     27.     Aug.   4.     Never  joined  Company.     Transferred   to 

i6gth  N.  Y.  V. 
Cole,  Josiah.     21.     July  21.     Never  joined  Company.     Transferred  to  i6gth 

N.  Y.  V. 

Clark,  A.  B.     22.     Aug.  6.     Missing.  Fairfax  Court  House,  Jan.  26,  '63. 
Durkin,  William  D.     Transferred  to  N.   C.  S.,   Hospital  Steward.     Mustered 

out. 

Dillenbeck,  J.  N.     34.     Aug.  15.     Missing,  Chicago,  Nov.  20,  '62. 
Donavan,  John.     22.     Aug.    14.     Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.     Discharged,  June 

10,  '64. 

Domendy,  Charles.     22.     Aug.  5.     Died  in  Hospital. 
Delair,  Lewis.     24.     Aug.  14.      Killed  by  accidental  discharge  of  pistol,  July  7, 

'63,  at  Ladysburg,  Md. 

Ellsworth,  Hiram.     35.     Aug.  7.     Missing,  Sept.  18,  '62. 
Fordon,  C.  H.     33.     Aug.  9.     Missing,  Chicago,  Oct.  3,  '62. 
Frear,  Chauncey.     29.     July  24.     Mustered  out. 
Gains,  Anthony.     28.     Aug.  14.      Missing,  Chicago,  Oct.  12,  '62. 
Grady,  James.      25.     July  20.     Wounded,  Petersburg,  June  16.     Mustered  out. 
Gowey,  Daniel.     20.     Aug.  4.      Missing,  Chicago,  Oct.  27,  '62. 
Gowey,  Oliver.     25.     July  25.     Missing,  Chicago,  Oct.  27,  '62. 
Godell,  Warren.     23.     Aug.  4.     Missing,  Chicago,  Oct.  12,  '62. 
Glen,  Henry.     42.     Aug.  4.     Missing,  March  10,  '64,  while  on  furlough. 
Garrespy,  Octavo.     34.     Aug.  6.     Transferred  V.  R.  C. 
Gass,  William.      22.     Aug.  12.     Discharged,  March  5,  '64. 
Gilman,  Charles.     22.     Aug.  8.     Mustered  out. 
Hanver,  D.  C.     35.     Aug.  13.     Mustered  out. 
Hughes,  Patrick.   21.   Aug.  6.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  1 8.   Mustered  out. 


ROSTER.  325 

Rollings-worth,  Robert.     21.     Aug.  12.     Died,  Feb.  21,  '63,  at  Union  Mills. 

Hoffman,  Andrew.     28.     Aug.  n.     Discharged,   Feb.   18,  '63. 

Hutchins,  George  M.     18.     Aug.  13.     Missing,   Gettysburg.     Probably  killed 
July  2. 

Hastings,  Francis.     19.     July  24.     Mustered  out. 

Johnston,  John.     40.     Missing,  Aug.  30.  '62. 

Kendall,  J.  W.     39.     Aug.  13.     Transferred  V.  R.  C.,  July  30,  '64. 

King,  William  H.     25.     Aug.     Missing,  April  i,  '63. 

Keleher,  William.     18.     July  24.     Wounded,   Spottsylvania,  May  12,  '64,  and 
Hatcher's  Run,  March  31'  '65.      Mustered  out. 

Leffler,  Jacob.     23.     Aug.  n.      Missing,  Chicago,  Oct.  n,  '62. 

Lambert,  J.  S.     24.     Aug.  14.     Mustered  out. 

Lamott,  Henry.    32.     Aug.  6.     Missing.  Jan.  26,  '63,  at  Fairfax  Court  House. 

Moss,  George  S.     27.     Aug.  14.     Died  July  n,  '63,  from  wounds  received  July 
2,  '63,  at  Gettysburg. 

Morris,  William  H.     34.     Aug.  15.     Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  18.     Mus 
tered  out. 

Moran,  John.     20.     Aug.  14.     Wounded,   Bristoe,   Oct.   22,   '64.     Transferred 
V.  R.  C. 

Macready,  Arthur.     21.     Aug.  5.     Prisoner,  June  I,  '63.     Mustered  out. 

Martin,  J.     40.     Aug.  2.     Prisoner,  June,  '63.     Mustered  out. 

Morris,  C.  E.     19.  Aug.  12.     Mustered  out. 

Morris,  A.  Jr.     30.     Aug.  6.     Mustered  out. 

Montgomery,  Benjamin.     21.     Aug.   13.     Wounded,   Strawberry  Plains,  Aug. 
14.     Mustered  out. 

Miller,  William  R.     19.     Aug.  4.     Wounded,   Spottsylvania,   May  12.     Mus 
tered  out. 

McNeely,   David.      21.     Aug.   13.     Wounded,   Spottsylvania,   May  12.     Mus 
tered  out. 

Morrison,  Malcolm.     33.     Aug.  14.     Wounded,  Spottsylvania,   May  18.     Pro 
moted  ist  Lieutenant. 

Morrison,  Daniel.     25.     July  29.     Missing,  Nov.  2,  '62. 

Newall,  Moses.     44.     Aug.  13.     Missing,  Nov.  13,  '62. 

Paden,  Alexander.     18.     Aug.  4.     Mustered  out. 

Paine,  E.  S.     21.     Aug.  13.     Discharged  Jan.  10,  '63. 

Pratt,  James.     19.     July  24.     Missing,  Chicago,  Oct.  13,  '62. 

Rafter,  William.     36.     Aug.  13.    Wounded,  Petersburg,  June  16.     Transferred 
V.  R.  C.,  Jan.  27,  '65. 

Redfield,  A.  N.     26.     Aug.  n.     Discharged. 

Redfield,  O.  T.     22.     July  24.     Discharged  Jan.  13,  '63. 

Reed,  Chauncey.     21.     Aug.  9.     Discharged  Feb.  u,  '63. 

Rose,  R.  A.     31.     Aug.  5.     Discharged  April  3,  '63. 

Robert,  N.  S.     44.     Aug.  4.     Discharged  April  i,  '63. 

Sherwood,  H.     42.     Aug.  13.     Wounded  and  transferred  to  V.    R.  C.,    May 

1 6,  '64. 

Sipperly,  Martin.     21.     Aug.  5.     Missing,  Chicago,  Nov.   22,  '64. 
Smith,  Edgar.     20.     Aug.  5.     Transferred  to  V.  R.  C. 

Smith,  Lewis.     38.     Aug.  5.     Killed  at  Gettysburg.   July  2.   '63,  with  the  flag 
in  hand. 


326       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

Ilsaver,  J.  N.     28.     July  20.     Mustered  out. 

Wallace,  William.      19.     Aug.  14.     Killed,  June  16,  '64. 

Smith,  Michael.     40.     Aug.  9.      Discharged  Nov.  15,  '62. 

Simpson,  Thomas.     32.     July  24.     Discharged  Feb.  24,  '64. 

Simmons,  D.  L.     36.     July  28.     Discharged  March,  '65. 

Smith,  E.  D.     21.     Aug.  9.     Mustered  out. 

Smith,  Albert.     19.     Aug.  5.     Killed  at  Po  River,  May  10,  '64. 

Snyder,  W.  L.      18.     Aug.  5.     Died  March  14,  '64. 

Trainor,  Owen.     24.     Aug.  15.     Missing,  Chicago,  Oct.  14,  '62. 

Tucker,  Hugh.     Never  joined  Company. 

Todd,  William.     23.     Aug.  18.     Mustered  out. 

Valey,  Alexander.     20.     Aug.  14.     Missing,  Chicago,  Oct.  12,  '62. 

Winnery,  Joseph.     40.     Aug.  n.     Mustered  out. 

Williams,  George.     37.     Aug.  14.     Mustered  out. 

Wilson,  Alfred.     32.     Aug.  13.     Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  Sept.  n,  '63. 

Carroll,  James.     19.     Aug.  15.     Missing,  Chicago,  Oct.  18,   '62. 

Linnehan,  Thomas.     19.    Aug.  17.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run.     Died  in  rebel  prison 

Sept.  4,  64. 

Burgess,  Henry.      19.     Aug.  4.      Missing,  Chicago,  Oct.  18,  '62. 
Montgomery,  Samuel  H.     21.     Aug.  4.     Transferred  to  V.  R.  C. ,  Feb.  15,  '64. 
Carter,  Thomas.     15.     Aug.  4.     Transferred  to  i6gth  N.  Y.  V. 
Dricsen,  Samuel.      14.     Aug.  24.     Transferred  to  i69th  N.  Y.  V. 
Youmans,  Albert.     Mustered  out. 
Morris,  A.  J.     30.     Aug.  6.     Discharged. 

Recruits: 

Smith,  John.  21.  May  3,  '64.  Wounded,  Po  River,  May  10.  Died  Nov.  18, 
'64. 

Jones,  Thomas.  42.  May  25,  '64.  Wounded,  Po  River,  May  10.  Discharged 
Nov.  18,  '64. 

Dargavel,  Jas.     21.     May  12,  '64.     Killed,  Petersburg,  June  16,  '64. 

Welch,  Keron.     27.     Aug.  27,  '64.     Discharged  Oct.  21,  '64. 

Haywood,  Moses,  43.  Aug.  i,  '64.  Wounded,  Fort  Steadman,  Oct.  7.  Dis 
charged  March  28,  '65. 

Hade,  Richard.  43.  Feb.  23,  '64.  Taken  prisoner,  Ream's  Station,  Aug. 
25,  '64.  Transferred,  4th  Art'y. 

Alden,  Archer  B.     18.     Feb.  2,  '64.     Discharged. 

Babcock,  Lawrence.     24.     Aug.  31/64.     Died  Jan.  3,  '64. 

Linderman,  Thomas.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run.   Died,  Andersonville,  Sept.  14,  '64. 

Marl,  George.     36.     Aug.  31,  '64.     Discharged  Oct.  21,  '64. 

Redfield,  Oliver  T.  24.  Aug.  30,  '64.  Wounded,  Hatcher's  Run,  March  31. 
Mustered  out. 

Sipperly,  Aaron.     21.     Aug.  5,  '62.     Missing,  Nov.  22,  '62. 

Wallace,  William.     19.     Aug.  12,  '62.     Killed  at  Petersburg,  June  16,  '64. 

WTarn,  Orville.     35.     Aug.  30,  '64.     Discharged  Oct.  21,  '64. 

Hines,  Alfred.  18.  Jan.  9,  '65.  Wounded,  Hatcher's  Run,  March  31,  '65. 
Died  April  i. 

Coburn,  James.     32.     Jan.  6,  '65.     Transferred. 


ROSTER.  327 

Clark,  James.     24.     Jan.  6,  '65.      Transferred. 

Davis,  William.     20.     Jan.  i,  '65.      Transferred. 

Hofferman,  James.     Transferred. 

Livingston,  James  H.     30.     March  4,  '65.     Transferred. 

Wilcox,  Marcus  H.      18.     Jan.  9,  '65.     Transferred. 

Mullins,  Thos.     39.     April  n,  '65.     Transferred. 

Meadozzy,  W.     22.     Jan.  6,  '65.     Transferred. 

Pavo,  G.     41.     April  7,  '65.     Transferred. 

Sivan,  George.     18.     Jan.  9,  '65.     Tarnsferred. 

Sausse,  Fred.     39.     Jan.  6,  '65.     Transferred. 

William,  David.     21.     Jan.  9,  '65,     Transferred. 

Underman,  W.  H.     Wounded,  Sutherland  Station,  April  2. 

Mustered  out  with  regiment             .             .              .  .            23 

Transferred       .             .              .             .              .             .  28 

Died  in  service        .             .              .             .             .  .             17 

Missing             ......  30 

Discharged              .....  .24 

122 


D    COMPANY. 

[This  Company  was  enlisted  at  Troy,   New  York,  during  July  and  August, 
1862.     It  left  Troy  with  3  officers  and  97  enlisted  men.] 

Commissioned  Officers: 
Captains — S.  C.  Armstrong,     Transferred  to  Major. 

John  Quay.     Discharged.     Re-commissioned.     Killed. 
Wm.  H.  Babcock.     Returned  home  with  regiment. 

First  Lieutenants — T.  F.  Sheldon.     Transferred  to  A  Company  as  Captain. 
Egbert  Jolls.     Discharged. 

William  D.  Taylor.     Transferred  to  E  Company  as  Captain. 
David  Brainerd.     Discharged. 
Second  Lieutenants — Patrick  Garden.     Discharged. 

Benjamin  R.  Townsend.     Transferred  to   F  Company  as 

ist  Lieutenant. 

George  A  Bryan.     Transferred  to  F.  Company  as  ist  Lieu 
tenant. 

William  F.  Blair.     Discharged. 
Sergeants— William    Milner.      24.     July    28.      Promoted   to    Lieutenant,    '64. 

Discharged,  July  21,  '64. 

E.  B.  Griswold.     27.     Aug.  4.     Discharged  April  21,  '63. 
Marshall  E.  Hiscok.     Killed,  Gettysburg,  July  3,  '63. 
Henry  Wheeler.     21.     Aug.  i.     Wounded,  Gettysburg  July  3,  '63. 

Lost  leg.     Discharged. 

George  A.  Uline.     22.     Aug.  8.     Wounded.     Mustered  out. 
Corporals— Charles  R    German.     23,     Aug.  6.     Killed,  Wilderness,  May  6,  64. 


328      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S  VOLS. 

Corporals — Hamilton  N.  Hewitt.     24.     Aug.  6.     Prisoner,  Auburn.     Missing 

since  Oct.  14,  '64. 

H.  J.  Ford.      19.     Aug.  u.     Discharged,  March  5,  '63. 
W.  Finnegan.     23.     Aug.  25.     Killed,  Gettysburg,  July  2,  '63. 
Peter  Hogle.     18.     Aug.  20.     Mustered  out. 
Caleb  Green.     18.     Aug.  5.      Mustered  out. 
George  F.    Heath.     22.     Aug.  12.     Wounded,   Spottsylvania,   May 

1 8.     Discharged. 

William  Dollen.     26.     July  28.     Mustered  out. 
Musicians — C.  I.  Wilkins.     27.     Aug.  2.     Mustered  out. 

Edmund  Wilson.     33.     July  31.     Mustered  out. 
Wagoner — Henry  A.  Oatman.     27.     Aug.  13.     Missing,  June  n,  '63. 

Privates: 

Allen,  William.     21.     Aug.  13.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run.     Mustered  out. 
Amitrano,  F.     25.    Aug.  19.    Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12.    Mustered  out. 
Bennett,  James  A.      19.     Aug.  5.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run.     Died  in  rebel  prison, 

July  n,  '64. 

Berdeau,  C.  W.     20.     Aug.  5.     Discharged,  Nov.  n,  '62. 
Boyd,  Thomas.     18.     Aug.  i.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run.     Mustered  out. 
Burke,  Michael.     18.     July  28.     Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12,  '64.     Cap 
tured  battle-flag.     Mustered  out. 

Bounds,  John  W.     18.     Aug.  9.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run.      Mustered  out. 
Bates,  Stephen.     19.      Aug.  2.     Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12.     Promoted 

2d  Lieutenant.     Mustered  out. 

Borden,  John.     27.     Aug.  7.     Missing,  Jan.  25,  '63. 
Bloomingdale,  Joseph.     21.     Aug.  n.     Prisoner.     Mustered  out. 
Bates,  William.      18.     Aug.  20.     Mustered  out. 
Bulson,  George.     26.     Aug.    15.     Died,  Nov.  30,  '62. 

Cass,  Matthew.     19.     Aug.  7.     Taken  prisoner,  Aug.  15,  '64.     Mustered  out. 
Cannon,  James.     36.     Aug.  13.     Wounded,   Spottsylvania,   May  12.     Died  of 

wounds. 

Cleary,  Patrick.     21.     Aug.  4.     Killed,  Po  River,  May  10. 
Callahan,  John.     23.     July  23.     Left  regiment,  Oct.  n,  '62. 
Cheever,  Samuel  J.     Transferred,  i6gth  N.  Y.  V. 
Demers,  Eugene  L.     19.     Aug.  4.     Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3.     Lost  leg. 

Discharged. 

Donovan,  Richard.     25.     Aug.  4.     Left  regiment,  Nov.  23,  '62. 
Duffey,   Matthew.     18.     Aug.  16.     Left  regiment,  Oct.  16,  '62. 
Evans,  William  H.     22.     July  26.     Promoted  Lieutenant.     Mustered  out. 
Cannon,  John.     16.     July  29.     Transferred  to  i6gth  N.  Y.  V. 
Dollar,  William  J.     26.     July  28.     Mustered  out. 

Egan,  John.     21.     Aug.  4.     Taken  prisoner.     Died,  rebel  prison,  July  3,  '64 
Evers,  John.     34.     Aug.  12.     Transferred  to  V.  R.  C. 

Fry,  Peter  S.     24.     Aug.  14.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,   May  12.     Taken  pris 
oner.     Mustered  out. 

Frith,  George.     26.     Aug.  14.     Wounded,  Fort  Steadman,  Oct.  6.     Mustered 
out. 


ROSTER.  329 

Fay,  Andrew.     19.     Aug.  16.     Left  regiment,  Oct.  28,  '62. 

Ford,  Hiram  A.     19.     Aug.  n.     Discharged  March  5,  '63. 

Gillette,  George  D.     24.     Aug.  4.     Discharged  Jan.  28,   63. 

Green,  Josiah,  Jr.  24.  Aug.  n.  Transferred  to  N.  C.  S.  Promoted  2d 
Lieutenant.  Mustered  out. 

Green,  Albert  B.  18.  Aug.  5.  Wounded,  Petersburg,  June  16,  with  flag  in 
hand.  Died,  June  17. 

Giblon,  Barney.     38.     Aug.  13.     Left  regiment,  Nov.  25,   62. 

Hilton,  Andrew.     28.     July  25.     Discharged  June  23,  '63. 

Hayer,  George  W.  21.  Aug.  15.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  18.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Hazy,  Michael.     18.     Aug.  14.     Left  regiment,  Oct.  12,  '62. 

Haly,  Michael.     Discharged  Jan.  24,  '63. 

Hyde,  Thaddeus.     22.     Aug.  7.     Reported  died  in  rebel  prison,  Oct.  19,  '64. 

Hyde,  Andrew  B.     20.     Aug.  15.     Killed,  Gettysburg,  July  2,  '64. 

Holsople,  Sylvester.     20.    July  26.     Wounded,  Po  River,  May  10.     Transferred. 

Killroy,  Matthew.     21.     Aug.  15.     Left  regiment  Nov.  8,  '62. 

Kelley,  William..    28.     Aug.  14.     Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12.     Died. 

Keeler,  Thomas  V.     44.     Aug.  5.     Discharged  June  21,  '63. 

Larkins,  Michael  D.  22.  Aug.  8.  Wounded,  Hatcher's  Run,  March  3. 
Mustered  out. 

Loppy,  E.  A.     19.     Aug.  13.     Mustered  out. 

Major,  Myron  R.     18.     Aug.  15.     Missing  since  Aug.  15,  '64. 

Murphy,  Thomas  E.      18.     July  25.     Left  regiment  Sept.  17,  '62. 

Mullen,  John.     18.     Aug.  4.     Prisoner,  Bristoe.     Mustered  out. 

Langham,  William.     33.     Aug.  17.     Left  regiment  Nov.  22,  '62. 

Lincoln,  William  C.  18.  Aug.  26.  Promoted  Q.  M.  S.  and  2d  Lieutenant. 
Mustered  out. 

Mason,  William.     44.     Aug.  16.     Left  regiment  Sept.  26,  '62. 

Morey,  Fred  A.  21.  Aug.  22.  Trai.  sf erred  to  N.  C.  S.  and  promoted  to 
Lieutenant  and  Captain. 

Nichols,  Daniel  A.     28.     Aug.  6.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run.     Died  in  rebel  prison. 

Perault,  Nathan  T.     18.     Aug.  5.     Wounded,  Bristoe.     Mustered  out. 

Potter,  Silas.     42.     Aug.  8.     Wounded.      Mustered  out. 

Philo,  Charles.     Transferred, 

Pynes,  Thomas.     19.     Aug.  4.     Transferred  V.  R.  C.  July  14,  '63. 

Piser,  Theodore.      19.  Aug.  n.     Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  18.     Died. 

Quarry,  John.     33.     Aug.  r6.     Discharged. 

Rhodes,  C.  F.     22.     Aug.  8.     Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  18.     Died. 

Russell,  Henry.     22.     Aug.  n.     Mustered  out. 

Rysdorph,  Lyman.     23.     Aug.  n.     Missing  Aug.  25,  '62. 

Rogers,  James  H.     32.    Aug.  14.   Wounded,  Po  River,  May  10.   Mustered  out. 

Smith,  Hiram  H.  18.  Aug.  n.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Hare,  Barney  S.     18.     Aug.  14.     Left  regiment  Oct.  12,  '62. 

Swim,  Peter.     32.     Aug.  6.     Left  regiment  Nov.  7,  '62. 

Simons,  Ezra  D.     23.    Aug.  13.     Transf'd  to  N.  C.  S.    Promoted  to  Chaplain. 


330        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

Slingerland,  Geo.ige  O.     20.     Aug.  16.     Discharged. 

Saunders.  William  M.  H.     21.     Aug.  13.     Discharged  Feb.  24,  '63. 

Seiler,  George.     21.     Aug.  13.     Killed  at  Sutherland  Station,  April  2,  '65. 

Suydam,  William  H.      25.     Aug.  12.     Left  regiment  Nov.  8,  '62. 

Sherman,  Steams.      19.     Aug.  n.     Missing,  Jan.  24,  '63. 

Schermerhorn,  Norman.  24.  Aug.  n.  Wounded,  Totopotomoy,  May  30. 
Mustered  out. 

Thompson,  James  P.  21.  Aug.  8.  Wounded,  Fort  Steadman,  Sept.  21. 
Mustered  out. 

Tulley,  William.     44.     July  31.     Discharged  June  i,  '63. 

Trotman,  William  R.  18.  Aug.  23.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12.  Dis 
charged. 

Usher,  A.  B.     26.     Aug.  20.     Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3.     Died  July  9. 

Wing,  Charles  M.  20.     Aug.  6.     Mustered  out. 

Wager,  John  F.     22.     Aug.  14.     Killed  at  Spottsplvania,  May  12,  '64. 

"West,  John.      19.     Aug.  6.     Left  regiment  Oct.  n,  '62. 

Wade,  E.  P.     38.     July  31.     Wounded,  Petersburg,  June  16.     Mustered  out. 

Recruits: 

Cosier,  John  A.     Wounded,  Po  River,  May  10.     Transferred. 

Lauriston.  Jones.  26.  Dec.  8,  '63.  Wounded.  Po  River,  May  10.  Trans 
ferred. 

Bennett,  James.      18.     Dec.  23,  '63'     Transferred. 

Bennett,  Peter.  41.  Dec.  19,  '63.  Wounded,  Strawberry  Plains,  Aug.  14. 
Transferred. 

Burke,  Patrick.     18.     Aug.  8,  '63. 

McMahon,  M.  25.  Dec.  21,  '63.  Wounded,  Strawberry  Plains,  Aug.  14. 
Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  Feb.  25,  '65. 

Shaw,  Edgar  L.     17.     Feb.  24,  '64.     Promoted  Lieutenant.     Mustered  out. 

McDermott,  A.     36.     Dec.  21,  '63.      Missing  since  May  12,  '64. 

Wiley,  William.     30.     March  31,  '64.     Missing  since  June  21,  '64. 

Bailey,  Levi  D.     44.     May  10,  '64.     Transferred. 

Martin,  Robert.     28.     May  4,  '64.     Transferred 

Gibson,  James  E.     18.     March  14,  '64.     Transferred. 

Lowey,  Morris.     19.     March  3,  '64.     Wounded,  Petersburg,  June  16. 

Martin,  Francis.     43.     Feb.  23,  '64.     Prisoner,  Strawberry  Plains,  Aug.  14. 

Smith,  David  F.     25.     May  15,  '64.     Transferred. 

Easton,  William.      17.     March  13,  '65.     Transferred. 

Murray,  W.  J.  18.  March  6,  '65.  Wounded,  Sutherland  Station,  April  2. 
Transferred. 

Eagen,  James.     19.     Feb.  29,  '64.     Reported  died  in  rebel  prison,  July  3,  '64. 

Mustered  out  with  regiment  .  .  .  .  31 

Transferred       ......  27 

Died  in  service        .  .  .  .  .  .25 

Missing  ......  19 

Discharged  ......  26 

128 


ROSTER.  331 

E    COMPANY. 

[This  Company  was   recruited    in   Sand    Lake,    Stephentown,    Nassau   and 
Hoag's  Corner.     It  left  Troy,  New  York,  with  3  officers  and  96  enlisted  men.] 

Commissioned  Officers: 
Captains — William  Dimond.     Discharged. 
E.  A.  Hartshorn.     Discharged. 
William  D.  Taylor.     Discharged. 
James  L.  Tilley.     Returned  home  with  regiment. 
First  Lieutenants — Calvin  Bush.     Discharged. 

C.  E.  Sweet.     Returned  home  with  regiment. 
L.  H.  Crandell.     Transferred  to  II  Company  as  Captain. 

Second  Lieutenants — Egbert  Joles.     Transferred  to  D  Company  as  First  Lieu 
tenant. 
I.  DeWitt  Coleman.     Transferred  to  H  Company  as  ist 

Lieutenant 

George  W.  Petitt.     Transferred  to  G  Company  as  ist  Lieu 
tenant. 

Enlisted  Men: 

Andrews,   William  B.      40.     Aug.    12.      Prisoner,    Ream's  Station,   Aug.    25. 

Mustered  out. 
Andrews,     Nelson    P.       19.      Aug.    12.      Wounded,    Spottsylvania,    May    12. 

Mustered  out. 

Allen,  John  N.     37.     Aug.  26.     Left  regiment  Nov.  20,  '62. 
Barnes,  J.  W.     44.     Aug.  13.     Discharged. 
Brainerd,  David.     38.     Aug.  13.     Promoted  Lieutenant. 
Bradway,  C,  F.     26.     Aug.  12.     Mustered  out. 
Bills,   C.   H.     18.     Aug.    12.     Wounded,    Totopotomoy,    May  29.     Mustered 

out. 

Beebee,  Lorenzo  D.     28.     Aug.  n.     Mustered  out. 
Bailey,  Samuel  H.     35.     Aug.  13.     Mustered  out. 
Bateman,  George  W.     23.     Aug.  12.     Taken  prisoner,   Petersburg,   June   22. 

Mustered  out. 

Babcock,  L.  G.     26.     Aug.  n.     Killed,  Wilderness,  May  8. 
Blake,  John  W.     39.     Aug.  13.     Wounded,  Po  River,  May  10.     Mustered  out. 
Bently,  Clark  W.     22.     Aug.  12.     Wounded,  Gettysburg.     Killed,  Petersburg, 

June  16. 
Bradt,  George.     27.     Aug.   19. 

Brummagen,    Frank.     32.     Aug.    14.     Prisoner,  Mine    Run.       Died    in    rebel 

prison,  May  10,  '64. 

Brown,  A.  J,     31.     Aug.  12.     Discharged  Feb.  10,  '63. 
Bennett,  Oscar  F.     20.     Aug.  15.     Discharged  Sept.  28,  '62. 
Bush,  Calvin.     38.     Aug.  13.     Promoted  Lieutenant. 
Coleman,  H.  D.     31.     Aug.  12.     Discharged 
Coons,  George.     44.     Aug.  12.     Left  regiment  Nov  23,  '62. 
Coleman,  I.  DeWitt.     24.     Aug.  12.     Promoted  Lieutenant. 


332       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

Cummings,  Theodore.  19.  Aug.  12.  Wounded,  Petersburg,  June  16.  Dis 
charged. 

Carrier,  DeWitt.     23.     Aug.  n.      Mustered  out. 

Clark,  Harrison.  20.  Aug.  12.  Promoted  to  Color  Sergeant,  Gettysburg. 
Wounded,  Wilderness,  May  6.  Lost  leg. 

Clark,  Benj.  F.     36.     Aug.  19.     Discharged  May  8,  '63. 

Cox,  James  W.     19.     Aug.  n.     Transferred. 

Cummirigs,  Thos.     19.     Aug.  12.     Missing,   Dec.  10,  '62. 

Chervoy,  J.  G.     25.     Aug.  13.     Left  regiment  Oct.  25,  '62. 

Coutant,  Geo.     40.     Aug.  12.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run.     Mustered  out. 

Cowan,  Wm.  18.  Aug.  12.  Wounded,  Strawberry  Plains,  Aug.  14.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Converse,  A.  F.     21.     Aug.  18.     Prisoner,  May  12,   '64.     Mustered  out. 

Clapper,  John.  21.  Aug.  n.  Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  2.  Wounded,  Po 
River,  May  10.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C. 

Curley,  Patrick.  38.  Aug.  19.  Prisoner,  Mine  Run.  Died  in  rebel  prison, 
May  18,  '64. 

Davis,  George.     28.     Aug.  13.     Mustered  out. 

Daboll,  Amos  J.     21.     Aug.  n.     Mustered  out. 

Daboll,  Clark.     31.     Aug.  12.     Transferred  to  V.  R.  C. 

Dunham,  D.  W.     26.     Aug.  12.     Killed,  Gettysburg,  July  3. 

Greenman,  B.  L.     24.     Aug.  12.     Discharged  March  16,  '63. 

Green,  Liba  A.     20.     Aug.  12.     Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  2.     Transferred. 

Green,  Benj.  F.  26,  Aug.  12.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  18.  Died  of 
wounds. 

<k>odrich,  A.   R.     36.     Aug.  13.     Mustered  out. 

Hollis,  H.  L.     43.     Aug.  21.     Wagoner.      Mustered  out. 

Hollis,  F.  R.     21.     Aug.  ii.     Mustered  out. 

Hassen,  James  E.  19.  Aug.  12.  Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  2.  Mustered 
out. 

Holsopple,  Harry.     35.     Aug.  13.      Left  regiment  Nov.  16,  '62. 

Horton,  Luther.     18.     Aug.  n. 

Hogeboom,  Sidney.     20.     Aug.  n.     Died  Aug.  12,  '63. 

Harris,  J.  S.  20.  Aug.  n.  Wounded,  Wilderness,  May  6,  and  at  Suther 
land  Station,  April  2.  Promoted  Sergeant,  Orderly  Serg't  and  2d  Lieut. 

Haynes,  C.  A.     24.     Aug.  n.     Appointed  2d  Lieut.  U.  S.  C.  T. 

Hunt,  Stephen.  26.  Aug.  14.  Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  2.  Transferred  to 
V.  R  C. 

Jolls,  Egbert.     35.     Aug.  14.     Appointed  Lieutenant. 

Kirby,  John  H.     27.     Aug.  n.      Mustered  out. 

Kittle,  E.  H.  33.  Aug.  13.  Prisoner,  Mine  Run.  Died  in  rebel  prison, 
Aug.  12,  '64. 

Lappins,  Henry.     19.     Aug.  13.     Killed,  Gettysburg,  July  3. 

Larkins,  L.  M.     27.     Aug.  12.     Transferred  to  V.  R.  C. 

Little,  Albert.     25.     Aug.  15.     Discharged  April  30,  '63. 

Momroy,  \V.  H.     18.     Aug.  14.     Mustered  out. 

Marston,  A.  F,     39.     Aug.  12.     Left  regiment  Oct.  21,  '62. 

Millins,  Adam.     27.     Aug.  n.     Died. 


ROSTER.  333 

McGill,  John.     44.     Aug.  13.     Mustered  out. 

Miller,  Conrad.     21.     Aug.  7.     Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  2. 

Nye,  Daniel.     20.     Aug.  13.     Discharged  Aug.  I,  '63. 

Pratt,  Franklin.     31.     Aug.  13.      Discharged  April  6,  '64. 

Rogers,  E.  A.  28.  Aug.  n.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12.  Mustered 
out. 

Robinson,  Charles.     40.     Aug.  13.     Mustered  out. 

Robbins,  W.  L.  28.  Aug.  15.  Wounded,  Sutherland  Station,  April  2.  Died 
April  3. 

Rice,  C.  B.     34.     Aug.  13.     Left  regiment  Nov.  5,  '62. 

Simmons,  H.  C.  21.  Aug.  14.  Wounded,  Petersburg,  June  16.  Mustered 
out. 

Sedgwick,  Philetus.     21.    Aug.  12.    Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  2.    Discharged. 

Sweet,  W.  N.     43.     Aug.  15.     Discharged  June  n,  '63. 

Simons,  Albert.     29.     Aug.  14.     Missing  Nov.  23,  '62. 

Saxby,  J.  C.  25.  Aug.  12.  Severely  wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  2.  Dis 
charged  March  26,  '64. 

Shepard,  Philander.     26.     Aug.  12.     Left  regiment  Nov.  13,  '62. 

Snow,  George  W.     30.     Aug.  n.     Mustered  out. 

Sykes,  Horace.  25.  Aug.  n.  Wounded,  Petersburg,  June  22.  Mustered 
out. 

Sweet,  Truman.     31.     Aug.  12.     Died,  Feb.  22,  '63. 

Snyder,  Robert.     36.     Aug.  14.     Killed,  Gettysburg,  July  3. 

Tifft,  James  E.     30.     Aug.  12      Musician.     Mustered  out. 

Tifft,  Nathan  H.     18.     Aug.  12.     Discharged  Oct.  29,  '63. 

Trapp,  David.  29.  Aug.  15.  Severely  wounded,  Petersburg,  June  16.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Tooley,  H.  J.  25.  Aug.  12.  Severely  wounded,  Petersburg,  June  16.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Taylor,  John  M.  18.  Aug.  23.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12,  and  at 
Hatcher's  Run,  March  31.  Mustered  out. 

Taylor,  Abram  M.     22.     Aug.  24.     Discharged 

Vickeny,  H.  W.     29.     Aug.  14.     Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.  Nov.  21,  '63. 

Whiteman,  William.     25.     Aug.  n.     Left  regiment  Oct.  21,  62. 

Wolcott,  Perry.     24.     Aug.  12.     Mustered  out. 

Weaver,  D.  H.     35.     Aug.  13. 

Waters,  Daniel.  38.  Aug.  12.  Prisoner,  Petersburg,  June  22.  Died  in  rebel 
prison. 

Wilbeck,  Peter.  29.  Aug.  12.  Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  2,  '63.  Mustered 
out. 

Webster,  Gilbert.  •  23.  Aug.  n.  Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3.  Died  March 
9,  '64. 

Waite,  Warren  C.     18.     Aug.    u.     Wounded,    Gettysburg,   July   3.     Also  at 

Spottsylvania,  May  12.     Mustered  out. 
Waite,  Daniel  P.     25.     Aug.  n.     Discharged  Feb.  i,  '63. 
Warden,  N.  E.     23.     Aug.  n.  Mustered  out. 

White,  D.  E.     34.     Aug.  12.     Promoted  to  N.  C.  S.  and  Lieutenant. 
Wilkinson,  C.  H.     24.     Aug    12.     Transferred  to  V.  R.  C. 


334      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S  VOLS. 

Warren,  A.  G.     39.     Aug.  14.     Discharged  Sept.  22,  '62. 

Woodward,    H.   B.      20.      Aug.    n.    Wounded,   Strawberry  Plains,    Aug.    14. 

Died  Aug.  16. 
Wiley,  E.  O.     20.     Aug.  14.     Transferred  to  V.  R.  C    Sept.  I,  '63. 

Recruits: 

Allen,  Henry.     29.     April  n.  '64.     Transferred. 
Allen,  James.     19.     March  10,  '64.     Died  in  hospital. 
Bloodgood,   Chas.     19.     Feb.    19,    '64.     Wounded,    Petersburg,    June  21,  '64.. 

Transferred. 

Conklin.  John.     22.     May  18,  '64.     Transferred. 
Dolan,  Patrick.     22.     May   26,    '64.     Prisoner,    Ream's  Station,     August   25. 

Transferred. 

Diver,  Sidney.  44.     May  14,  '64.      Transferred. 
Bryan,  Callen.     21.      Aug.  II,  '64. 

Mott,  W.  C.     21.     Aug.  n,  '64.     Died  in  hospital  Sept.  n,  '64. 
Moran,    Michael.     27.     May  2,  '64.     Prisoner,    Ream's    Station,    August    25. 

Transferred. 
Mitchell,  Jonathan.     25.     March  31,  '64.     Taken  prisoner  June  23,  '64.  Died, 

Andersonville,  September  10,  '64. 

McCombs,  Robert.     23.     March  3,  '64.     Transferred. 
Osterhout,  William  A.     20.     Feb.   26,  '64.     Wounded,    Petersburg,   June   16. 

Transferred. 
Turner,   Stephen  C.     37.     Feb.    25,    '64.      Wounded,   Cold  Harbor,   June  i. 

Transferred. 

Teater,  David.     37.     March  29,  '64.     Transferred. 

Peer,  W.  C.     19.     Feb.  29,  '64.     Died  in  hospital,  City  Point,  July  31,  '64. 
McKernon,  Robert.   33.     March  3,  '64:     Transferred. 
Harrington,  John.     32.     Aug.  22,   '64.     Transferred. 
Stevenson,  William.     21.      May  18,  '64.     Transferred. 
Godlip,  Stephen.     32.     April  15,  '64.     Prisoner,  June  16,  Petersburg. 
Maloney,  James.    Died  in  hospital,  May  6,  '65. 

Mustered  out  with  regiment  ....  42 

Transferred       ......  30 

Died  in  service        .  .  .  .  .  .23 

Missing  ......  10 

Discharged  ......  24 


129 


F    COMPANY. 

[This  Company  was  recruited  in  Troy  and  at  Poestenkill  during  July  and 
August,   1862.     It  left  Troy,  New  York,  with  3  officers  and  95  enlisted  men.] 

Commissioned  Officers: 
Captains — Nelson  Penfield.     Discharged. 
Harry  L.  Haskell.     Discharged. 


ROSTER.  335 

Captains— William  H.  Plum.     Killed  at  Bristoe. 

William  Halon.     Returned  home  with  regiment. 

First  Lieutenants — Frank  Chamberlin.  Transferred  as  Captain  to  C  Company. 
Benj.  R.  Townsend.  Transferred  as  Major  to  U.  S.  C.  T. 
George  A.  Bryan.  Killed  at  Petersburg,  June  16,  '64. 

Second  Lieutenant — William  D.  Taylor.     Transferred  as  ist  Lieutenant  to  D 
Company. 

Enlisted  Men: 

Morgan,  John  T.     32.     Aug.  4.     Sergeant.     Left  regiment  Sept.  28,  '62. 

Churchill,  Lee.  26.  Aug.  13.  Sergeant.  Wounded  four  times  at  Gettysburg. 
Promoted  2d  and  ist  Lieutenant  and  Captain.  Discharged  on  account  of 
wounds. 

Cleminshaw,  Sherman.  24.  Aug.  12.  Sergeant.  Promoted  Lieutenant.  Trans 
ferred  to  V.  R.  C. 

Babcock,  Charles  W.     26.     Aug.  5.     Sergeant.     Discharged  March  i,  '63. 

Babcock,  William  H.  33.  Aug.  5.  Sergeant.  Wounded,  Wilderness,  May 
6.  Promoted  Lieutenant  and  Captain.  Mustered  out. 

Jenkins,  George  W.  23.  Aug.  12.  Corporal.  Promoted  Quartermaster-Ser 
geant  and  Quartermaster. 

Barton,  Henry  C.     27.     Aug.  12.     Corporal.     Discharged  March  6,    '63. 

Mealey,  John  C.     22.     July  30.     Corporal.     Transferred,  V.  R.  C. 

Gilbert,  Utter.  36.  Aug.  14.  Corporal.  W7ounded,  Bristoe.  Prisoner,  June 
22,  '64.  Mustered  out. 

Vedder,  George  W.     26.     Aug.  12.     Corporal.     Discharged. 

Wright,  Thomas.     29.     July  28.     Corporal.     Discharged  April  3,  '63. 

Roberts,  Pope  C.     25.     Aug.  7.     Corporal.     Discharged  Dec.  13,  '62. 

Dutcher,  Edward  II.     20.     Aug.  13.     Corporal. 

Snyder,  James.     18.     July  29.     Musician.     Mustered  out. 

Mullen,  William  F.      19.     July  29.     Musician.     Mustered  out. 

Parke,  Elias  R.     41.     Aug.  23.     Wagoner.     Mustered  out. 

Belden,  George  H.     34.     Aug.  15.     Discharged  Sept.  23,  '62. 

Brown,  John.     18.     Aug.  16.    Wounded,  Bristoe,  June  16,  '64.     Mustered  out. 

Brisland,  Edward.     19.     July  29.     Killed,  Totopotomoy,  May  30. 

Bennet,  Henry.  25.  Aug.  6.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12.  Mustered 
out. 

Bushey,  Christmas.     21.     Aug.  23.     Missing,  Dec.  3,  '62. 

Corbett,  Andrew.     22.     Aug.  16.     Mustered  out. 

Carroll,  James.     25.     Aug.  2.    Wounded,  Petersburg,  June  16.     Mustered  out. 

Campbell,  John.     31.     Aug.  12.     Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3.     Transferred 

Canfield,  Thomas.  42.  Aug.  5.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12.  Dis 
charged. 

Cipperly,  W.  J.     23.     Aug.  9.     Discharged  March  29,  '63. 

Cropsey,  William.  21.     Aug.  15.     Mustered  out. 
Canaven,  Richard.     21.     Aug.  29.     Wounded,  Cold  Harbor,  June  7. 

Cook,  R.  M.     20.  Aug.  22.     Wounded.     Mustered  out. 

Devane,  Thomas.  37.     July  29.     Transferred  V.  R.  C. 


336        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

Dempsey,  Henry  L.     22.     Aug.  10.      Prisoner,  Mine  Run.     Mustered  out. 

Davenport,  Henry  J.     39.     Aug.  9.     Transferred  4th  Art'y. 

De  Forrest,  Edward.  32.  Aug.  n.  Killed,  Harper's  Ferry,  Sept.  15,62. 
First  man  in  the  regiment  killed. 

Deal,  John  H.     23.     Aug.  14.     Mustered  out. 

Defreest,  Sylvester.     32.     Aug.    23.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run.     Mustered  out. 

Eaton,  John  T.     24.     Aug.  12.     Killed,  Gettysburg,  July  2. 

Finnegan,  Bernard.     19.     Aug.  14.     Killed,  Petersburg,  June  16. 

Farrell,  Lawrence.     28.     Aug.  i.     Discharged. 

Fleming,  John.     22.     Aug.  16.     Mustered  out. 

Fennuff,  Stanislaus.     30.     Aug.  15.     Left  regiment  Sept.  28,  '62. 

Frear,  Charles  H.  28.  July  28.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12.  Died  of 
wounds. 

Gray,  George.     18.     Aug.  2.     Left  regiment  Dec.  2,  '62. 

Gilbert,  Uri.  18.  July  29.  Prisoner.  Petersburg,  June  22,  '64.  Mustered 
out. 

Griffiths,  Josiah.     44.     Aug.  13.     Discharged,  Nov.  17,  '62. 

Healy,  Thomas.     22.     July  31. 

Haynes,  George  W.     22.     Aug.  14.     Left  regiment  Oct.  27,  '62, 

Hopkins,  Thomas.     23.     Aug.  14.      Mustered  out. 

Hall,  Clark.     27.     Aug.  18.     Wounded,  Wilderness,   May  6.     Mustered  out. 

Henson,  Stephen.  21.  Aug.  8.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Hagedorn,  Ezra  H.     35.     Aug.  23.     Discharged. 

Herring,  Henry  E.  25.  Aug.  n.  Promoted  Corporal,  Sergeant  and  Lieuten 
ant.  Mustered  out. 

Henning,  William.     35.     Aug.  21.     Discharged,  April  2,  '63. 

Kaheny,   Hugh.     30.     Aug.    u.     Mustered  out. 

Kirkpatrick,  A.  J.     23.     Aug.  12.     Transferred. 

Kustin,  John.     41.     Aug.  13.     Died  Sept.  7,  '63. 

Kilmer,  Sanford.  19.  July  19.  Prisoner,  June  22,  Petersburg.  Died  in  rebel 
prison  Aug.  I,  '64, 

Lawler,  Edward.     21.     Aug.  12.     Missing,  Sept.  14,   '62. 

Lawler,  Martin.     27.     Aug.  7.     Killed,  Auburn,  Oct.  14,  '63. 

Lee,  Emerson  D.     31.     Aug.  15.     Discharged  March  29,  '63. 

Moon,  James.  18.  Aug.  14.  Wounded,  Wilderness,  May  6.  Captured. 
Died  in  rebel  prison,  Oct.  5,  '64. 

Moon.  William  H.  H.  21.  Aug.  14.  Prisoner,  Mine  Run.  Died  in  rebel 
prison,  April  9,  '64. 

Moon,  Alfred.     27.     Aug.  15.     Discharged  March  18,  '63. 

McGill,  John.  16.  Aug.  14.  Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3.  Transferred 
V.  R.  C.  April  15.  64. 

Mitchell,  William.     33.     Aug.  2.     Left  regiment  Sept.  28,  '62. 

Mason,  Peleg  H.     28.     Aug.  14.     Mustered  out. 

Mason,  L.  J.     23.     Aug.  14.     Discharged  March  14,   '64. 

Martin,  William  R.     34.     Aug.  15.     Discharged. 

Meeker,  John  D.     43.     Aug.  23.     Discharged  Feb.  10,  '63. 


ROSTER.  337 

Perry,  Josephus.  21.  July  20.  Wounded,  Petersburg,  June  16.  Mustered 
out. 

Perry,  Charles  H.     21.     July  30.     Killed,  Wilderness,  May  6. 

Paguin,  Raphael.     23.     Aug.  15.     Left  regiment  Sept.  28,  '62. 

Pinney,  Cyrus.     32.     Aug.  6.    Discharged  May  23,   '63. 

Parke,  Elias  R.     41.     Aug.  23.     Wagoner.     Mustered  out. 

Raynard,  Fitch.     39.     Aug.  9.     Prisoner.      Died  in  rebel  prison,  Aug.  12,  '64. 

Schofield,  Andrew.     35.     Aug.  13.     Left  regiment  Oct.  4,  '62. 

Simpkins,  Thomas.     23.     July  15.     Left  regiment  Nov.  I,  '62. 

Smith,  Lewis  F.  19.  Aug.  15.  Killed  near  Altoona,  Penn.,  Sept.  28,  '62, 
by  falling  from  cars. 

Short,  Joseph  B.     18.     Aug.  15.     Mustered  out. 

Schollen,  Henry  G.     27.     Aug.  6.     Missing  Dec.  2,  '62. 

Schremph,  Frank.  19.  Aug.  8.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12,  and  at 
Sutherland  Station,  April  2.  Mustered  out. 

Sipperly,  Ezra.     28.     Aug.  18.     Mustered  out. 

Taylor,  Richard  H.  24.  Aug.  14.  Prisoner,  Mine  Run.  Died  in  rebel  prison 
June  26,  '64 

Town,  George  E.     42.     Aug.  15.     Left  regiment  Nov.  22,  '62. 

Tompkins,  Bethuel  P.     20.     Aug.  8.     Died,  Sept.  27,  '63. 

Upham,  Morgan  S.     37.     Aug.  5.     Mustered  out. 

Vassar,  James  P.     34.     Aug.  14.     Mustered  out. 

Vandepool,  Garrett.     40.     Aug.  12.     Mustered  out. 

Webster,  Adolphus.     21.     Aug.  7.     Missing,  Sept.  3,  '62. 

Winne,  Robert  J.     22.     Aug.  14.     Discharged  Dec.  2,  '62. 

Wicks,  George.     21.     Aug.  n.     Mustered  out. 

Wiswall,  James  A.  18.  Aug.  4.  Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  2.  Trans 
ferred  V.  R.  C.,  Feb.  15,  '64. 

Wadru,  Hiram  M.     23.     Aug.  6.     Left  regiment  Nov.  21,  '62. 

Wark,  William.     40.     Aug.  5.     Mustered  out. 

Willis,  Henry  O.     23.     Aug.  18.     Left  regiment  Nov.  6,  '62. 

Yates,  Abram.     20.     Aug.   13.     Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  July  i,  '63. 

Recruits: 

Allard,  James.     42.     March  18,  '65.     Transferred. 
Barker,  Simeon.     40.     March  18,  '65.     Wounded,    Hatcher's  Run,    March  31. 

Transferred. 

Bumbary,  Oscar.     18.     April  4,  '65.     Transferred. 
Brownell,  A.  D.     18.     March  29,  '65.     Transferred. 
Benjamin,  Wm.  F.     17.     March  15,  '64.     Transferred. 
Blair,  Michael.     29.     March  12,  '64.     Transferred. 
Conner,  Oliver.     18.     March  29,  '65.     Transferred. 
Curtin,  Wm.      19.     March  16,  '64.     Transferred. 
Crane,  Henry.     19.     March  16,  '64.     Transferred. 
Cony,  Napoleon.     18.     March  22,  '64.     Transferred. 
Dunton,  Benj.  F.     32.     March  20,  '64.     Discharged. 
Glyne,  Patrick.     30.   Dec.  29,  '64.  Wounded,  Wilderness,  May  6.  Transferred. 


338       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

Griffin,  Daniel,  21.     March   16,    '65.     Wounded,    Hatcher's    Run,    March    31. 
Transferred. 

Gonnir,  Joseph.     18.     April  4,  '65.     Transferred, 

Handy,  James.     35.     April  3,   '65.     Taansferred. 

Hendricks,  Richard.      18.     April  5,  '65.     Transferred. 

Halligan,  Thos.     26.     Jan.  3,    '64.     Wounded,    Wilderness,    May  6.     Killed. 
Hatcher's  Run,  March  31. 

Johnson,  James.     18.     March  22,  '65.     Transferred. 

Khen,  John  L.     18.     March  25,  '65.     Transferred. 

Kinslow,  John.     35.     Dec.  23,    '63.     Wounded,    Sutherland   Station,   April   2. 
Transferred. 

Kurnis,  Thomas.     38.     March  24,  '64.     Transferred  to  U.  S.  N.,  May  2,  '64. 

Mahoney,  John.     41.      March  21,  '64.     Transferred. 

McMoore,  Edward.      18.     Feb.  29,  '64.     Transferred. 

O'Brien,  James.     28.     March  29,  '65.     Transferred. 

Pickett,  James.     21.     March  27,  '65.     Transferred. 

Roberts,  John.     20.      March  16,  '65.     Missing,  Stevensburg,  May  3,  '64. 

Rankin,  Robert.     34.     March  28,  '64.     Missing,  Stevensburg,  May  3,  '64. 

Russell,  Peter.      19.     March  17,  '64.     Wounded,   Wilderness,  May  6.     Trans 
ferred. 

Transferred. 
'64.       Wounded,    Spottsylvania,    May    12. 

Wounded,    Sutherland  Station,  April   2. 

Weidman,  John.     20.     April  3,  '65.     Transferred. 

Wilkinson,  John.     22.     March  16,  '64      Missing,  reported  deserted,  '64. 
Wheaten,  Samuel  C.     20.     April  3,  '65.     Wounded.     Transferred. 
Youmans,  W7alter.      18.     March  25,  '64.     Transferred. 

Young,   Berry  F.     24.     March  26,  '64.     Prisoner,    Ream's  Station,    Aug.  25. 
Transferred. 


Tooner,  William. 

23- 

March 

18,  '< 

Taylor,    William. 
Transferred. 

32. 

Jan. 

8,    '' 

Taylor,  John.     30. 
Transferred. 

March  31, 

'64. 

Mustered  out  with  regiment 

Transferred 

Died  in  service 

Missing 

Discharged 


34 
-jr 
18 
18 

25 


136 


G    COMPANY. 


[This  Company  was  enlisted  in  Troy,  New  York,   during  July  and  August, 
1862.     It  left  Troy  with  3  officers  and  102  enlisted  men.] 

Commissioned  Officers: 

Captain — George  E.  Lemon.     Discharged  May   15,   '65,  on  account  of  disabil 
ity  owing  to  wounds  received  at  Bristoe,  Oct.  14,   '63. 


ROSTER.  339 

First  Lieutenants — W.  K.  Newcomb.     Promoted  Captain  B  Company. 
Bennett  G.  Barto.     Discharged. 
Malcolm  Morrison.     Discharged. 

George  W.  Pettit.     Transferred  to  II  Company  as  Captain. 
Second  Lieutenants — L.  H.  Stevens.     Transferred  to  C  Company  as  ist  Lieut. 
Merritt  B.    Miller.     Transferred   to    K    Company   as    ist 

Lieutenant. 
Fred.  A.  Morey.     Promoted  Captain. 

Enlisted  Men: 

Miller,  Merritt  B.     19.     Aug.  8.     Promoted  Lieutenant  and  Adjutant. 

Blackburne.  William.     32,     Aug.  4.     Left  regiment  Oct.  10,  '62. 

Bogart,  Daniel.     43.     Aug.    14.     Discharged  Jan.  5,  '63. 

Springsteen,  Alexander.     20.     Aug.  2.     Appointed  Captain  U.  S.  C.  T. 

Crandell,  L.  H.     23.     Aug.  14.     Promoted  to  Lieutenant  and  Captain. 

Ellis,  A.  H.     25.     Aug.  i.     Died  Nov.  26,  '62. 

Shaver,  E.  P.     25.     Aug.  14.     Missing.  Nov.  23,  '62. 

Lord,  G.  A.     42.     July  26,  '62.     Discharged  Nov.  13,  '62. 

Andrus,  J.  P.     26.     Aug.  15.     After  severe  illness  discharged  Feb.  9,  '63. 

Johnson,  S.  H.     33.     July  26.     Mustered  out. 

Thornburn,  H.  N.     26.     Aug.    15.     Promoted,  Lieutenant,  gth  U.  S.  C.  T. 

Hammond,  J.  Jr.  17.  Aug.  n.  Prisoner,  Petersburg,  June  22,  '64.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Andrus,  George  G.     24.     Aug.  15.     Transferred  V.  R.  C.,  April  15,  '63. 

Peckham,  B.  H.  18.  Aug.  17.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12.  Mustered 
out. 

Allen,  Charles  P.     44.     Aug.  7.     Mustered  out. 

Allen,  Charles  H.     19.     Aug.  7.     Discharged  June  13,  '63. 

Babcock,  George  W.  27.  Aug.  9.  Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3.  Dis 
charged. 

Brown,  Daniel.     41.     Aug.  7.     Mustered  out. 

Brown,  Solomon.     13.     Aug.  12.     Transferred  to  i6gth  N.  Y.  V. 

Boucher,  Excelsior.     36.     Aug.  n.     Missing  Oct.  14,  '62. 

Bullis,  Nelson.     26.     Aug.  15.     Killed,  Petersburg,  June  16. 

Bush,  Sidney.     21.     Aug.  5.     Discharged  June  13,  '63. 

Bupley,  Michael.     24.     Aug.  6.     Missing,  Nov.  5,  '62. 

Bricknell,  William.     24.     Aug.  6.     Prisoner,  Petersburg,  June  22. 

Barber,  Joseph  H.     21.     Aug.  12.     Mustered  out. 

Bennett,  George.  23.  Aug.  20.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  18.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Bouplon,  John.  21.  Aug.  21.  Wounded,  Petersburg,  June  22.  Mustered 
out. 

Bill,  James  P.  18.  Aug.  6.  Wounded,  Petersburg,  June  22.  Died  of 
wounds. 

Burdick,  A.  S.  18.  Aug.  17.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12.  Wounded, 
Strawberry  Plains,  Aug.  14.  Mustered  out. 

Buckman,  H.     25.     Aug.  6.     Discharged. 

Cornwell.  J.  G.  H.     22.     Aug.  n.     Reported  died  in  rebel  prison. 


340      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S  VOLS. 

Cooney,  Patrick.     24.     Aug.  12.     Missing,  Aug.  30,  '62. 

Campbell,    Alexander.     18.       Aug.    28.       Wounded,    Spottsylvania,    May    18. 

Transferred. 

Cox,  Peter.     27.     July  28.     Missing,  Oct.  10,  "62. 
Costello,  John.     24.     Aug.  16.     Missing,  Nov.  5,  '62. 
Connelly,  Patrick.     22.     Aug.  18.     Killed,  Po  River,  May  10. 
Cross,  Francis.     34.     Aug.  6.     Wounded,     Gettysburg,  July  2. 
Cipperly,  George  H.     20.     Aug.  18.     Killed  Petersburg,  June  17. 
Cornelius,  Abram.     31.     Aug.  5.     Killed,    Gettysburg,  July  2d. 
Carhart,    Alfred.     21.     Aug.   5.     Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3.     Transferred 

to  V.  R.  C. 

Clark,  John.     25.     Aug.  13.     Prisoner,  Petersburg,  June  22. 
Davis,  William,  Jr.     31.     July  29.     Mustered  out. 
Donnelly,  Luke.     21.     Aug.  15.     Missing,  Aug.  30,  '62. 
Dulfer,  Christian.     30.     Aug.  16.     Discharged. 
Ellis,  James.     26.     Aug.  14.     Missing,  Aug.  30,  '62. 
Ebert,  Casper.     34.     Aug.  18.     Died  Aug.  26,  '63. 
Earing,  Joseph.     18.     Aug.  9.     Missing,  Sept.  27,  '62. 
Fuller    E.  A.     36.     Aug.  6.     Orderly  at  General  McDougall's  Headquarters. 

Mustered  out. 

Gainor,  William     18.    Aug.  6.     Missing,  July  3,  '63. 

Gillon,  Dennis.     16.     Aug.  13.     Transferred  to  War  Com.,   Troy,  N.  Y.,  '62. 
Higbie,  Martin.     33.     Aug.  3.     Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3.     Transferred. 

V.  R.  C. 

Hines,  Joseph.     22.     Aug.  16.     Missing,  Sept.   17,   '62. 
Higgins,  Caleb.     19.     Aug.  13.     Wounded,   Spottsylvania,   May  18.     Died  of 

wounds. 

Harrigan,  Michael.     40.     Aug.  14.     Missing,  Nov.  22,  '62. 
Horton,  William.     29.     Aug.  19.     Killed,  Gettysburg,  July  3. 
Houngstein,    Augustus.      20.      Aug.    25.      Wounded,    Petersburg,     June     16. 

Transferred,  V.  R.  C. 

Hough,  William.     35.     July  30.     Brigade  blacksmith.       Mustered  out. 
Hogeboom,  Charles  S.     21.     Aug.  i.     Killed,  Spottsylvania,  May  12. 
Knapp,  Benjamin.     21.     Aug.  18.     Mustered  out. 
Kearn,  John.     40.     Aug.  18.     Discharged.  Sept.  18,  '62. 
Lounsberry,  James.     28.     Aug.  28.     Missing,  Sept.  28,  '62. 
Merchant,  Joseph  H.     27.     Aug.  6.     Missing,  Sept.  28,  '62. 
Merchant,  George  L.     37.      Aug.   6.     Wounded,    Ream's   Station,  Aug.   25. 

Died,  Aug.  28. 

McDonald,  George.     28.     Aug.  12.     Missing,  Aug.  30,  '62. 
McLoughlin,  D.  D.     26.     Aug.  16.     Missing,  Aug.  30,  "62. 
Morris,  Charles  H.     18.     July  28.     Died,  Oct.  n,  '62. 
Miller,  Theodore.     21.     Aug.  i.     Missing,  Aug.  30,  '62. 
Miller,  John.     21.     Aug.  2.     Missing,  Aug.  30,  '62. 
Miller,  William  H.     21.     July  30.     Missing,  Aug.  30,  '62. 
Mulford,  John  H.     20.     Aug.  16.     Missing,  Aug.  30,  '62. 
Moore,  Anson.     20.     Aug.  14.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run. 


ROSTER.  341 

McGinnis,  William  M.     20.     Aug.  18.     Discharged,  April  18,  '63. 

Norton,  Daniel.     20.     Aug.  8.     Discharged,  Sept.  7,  '63. 

Northrup,  George  W.     20.     Aug.  8.      Mustered  out. 

Ostrander,  N.  M.  36.  Aug.  6.  Prisoner,  Mine  Run.  Reported  died  in  rebel 
prison. 

O'Neil,  Charles.     40.     Aug.  5.     Missing,  Sept.  30,  '64. 

Pettit,  G.  W.     18.     Aug.  13.     Promoted  Sergeant,  Lieutenant  and  Captain. 

Packard,  William  H.     29.     Aug.  n.      Missing,  Oct.  i,  '62. 

Pullen,  William  E.     18.     Aug.   14.     Transferred,  V.  R.  C. 

Post,  Henry  E.     38.     Aug.  14.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run.     Died  in  rebel  prison. 

Ricklo,  Robert.     26.     Aug.  n.     Reported  died  in  rebel  prison,  April  6,  '64. 

Race,  George  H.     20.     Aug.  15.     Reported  dead. 

Rack,  W7illiam.     25.     Aug.  6.     Discharged. 

Rocker  fellow,  Abram.     23.     Aug.  4.     Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  2.    Disch'd. 

Rose,  Daniel.     23.     Aug.  14.     Killed,  Gettysburg.  July  2. 

Simmons,  J.  F.  32.  Aug.  14.  Wounded,  Totopotomoy,  May  30.  Mustered 
out. 

Stancil,  James  B.     40.     Aug.  7.     Discharged,  Feb.  9,  '63. 

Shields,  Robert.     38.     Aug.  15.     Transferred,  V.  R.  C.,  July  I,  '63. 

Slemmer,  William.     23.     July  30.      Killed,  Gettysburg,  July  2. 

Slemmer,  Jacob.     26.     Aug.  15.     Killed,  Totopotomoy,  May  30. 

Shaughnessy,  M.     18.     Aug.  6.     Transferred,  V.  R.  C. 

Slemmer,  Charles.  23.  Aug.  9.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Schermerhorn,  W.  S.  21.  Aug.  9.  Mustered  out.  Promoted  to  Second 
Lieutenant. 

Southwick,  William  H.      18.     Aug.  15.      Killed,  Gettysburg,  July  3. 

Thorn,  Francis.  18.  July  30.  Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  2.  Wounded,  Po 
River,  May  10.  Captured.  Mustered  out. 

Tobias,  George.     19.     Aug.  9.     Mustered  out. 

Van  Buren,  G.  N.     35.     Aug.  i.     Mustered  out. 

WTatts,  Robert.      18.     July  29.     Killed,  Gettysburg,  July  3. 

Waters,  John.     33.     July  29.     Mustered  out. 

Williams,  Samuel.     25.     Aug.  6.      Missing,  Aug.  30,  '62. 

Webster,  Daniel.     23.     Aug.  15.     Missing,  Sept.  17,  '62. 

Young,  Joseph.     24.     Aug.  15.     Missing,  Sept.  17,  '62. 

Reouits: 

Brown,  Henry.     22.     March  18,   '64.     Transferred. 
Brown,  Charles.     21.     June  5,  '65.     Transferred. 
Belden,  Charles.     21.     Jan.  3,  '65.     Discharged. 
Clark,  J    W.     18.     March  28,  '64.     Missing,  July  20,  '64. 
Chapman,  Abraham.     Transferred    i69th  N.  Y.  V. 
Careham,  Peter.      24.     Feb.  8,  '65.     Transferred. 
Close,  Peter.     32.     Feb.  18,  '65.     Wounded,  Sutherland  Station,  April  2,  '65. 

Transferred. 
Crandall,  John  P.     37.     Feb.  20,  '65.     Transferred. 


342        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

Dalton,  Martin.     29.     Feb.  22,  '65.     Transferred. 

Daly,  Michael.     40.     Feb.  7,  '64.     Died  in  hospital,  Dec.  29,  '64. 

Evans,     George  W.     Wounded,  Totopotomoy,  May  30.     Transferred. 

Hoffman,  William.      18.     March    12,  '64.     Transferred. 

Kloty,  Selon.     18.     March  12,  '64.     Transferred. 

Kelly,  William.  19.  April  29,  '64.  Wounded,  Petersburg,  June  16.  Trans 
ferred. 

Kirwin,  Charles.     22.     Feb.  6,  '64.     Killed,  Petersburg,  June  17. 

Myers,  E.  W.  C.  19.  March  31,  '64.  Wounded^  Petersburg,  June  22.  Trans 
ferred. 

McNulty,  John.     21.     March  20,  '64.     Wounded,   Petersburg,  June  16. 

McMahon,  Arthur.  30.  Feb.  22,  '64.  Wounded,  Totopotomoy,  May  30. 
Transferred. 

Mahon,  John. — Wounded. 

Maynard,  George  W.     22.     Feb.  15,  65.     Transferred. 

Nyles,  Samuel  H.     41.     Jan.  4,  '65.     Transferred. 

Russell,  J.  H.  18.  March  29,  '64.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Shelly,  Franklin.     37.     Feb.  20,  '65.     Transferred. 

Thompson,  William.     20.     Feb.  20,  '65.     Transferred. 

Wager,  Albert.     20.     Feb.  24,  '64.     Killed,  Totopotomoy,  May  30. 

Winn,  James.     18.     Transferred 

Williams,  David.     21.     Feb.  15,  '65.     Transferred. 

Mustered  out  with  regiment  ....  22 

Transferred       .  .  .  .  .  .  25 

Died  in  service        .  .  .  .  .  .25 

Missing  ......  29 

Discharged  .  .  .  .  .  .21 


122 


H  COMPANY, 

[This  Company  was  recruited  in  Troy,  N.  Y.,  during  July  and  August,  1862. 
It  left  Troy  with  3  officers  and  97  enlisted  men.] 
Commissioned  Officers  : 

Captains — Ephraim  WTood.      Killed  at  Gettysburg. 
Joseph  Hyde.     Transferred  to  Major. 
L.  H.  Crandell.     Discharged. 
E.  B.  Hull.     Mortally  wounded,  June  22,  '64. 
George  W.  Pettit.     Returned  home  with  the  regiment. 
First  Lieutenants — David  E.  White.     Returned  home  with  the   regiment. 

J.  I.  DeWitt  Coleman.     Killed,  Petersburg,  June  16,  '64. 
Second  Lieutenants — David  Hagadorn.     Discharged. 
William  Milner.     Discharged. 


ROSTER.  343 

Enlisted  Men  : 

Adams,  Thomas  J.     26.     Aug.  4.     Discharged. 

Allendorph,  Charles  H.  28.  Aug.  13.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12. 
Discharged. 

Austin,  Harrison.     40.     Aug.  12.     Discharged  March  26. 

Austin,  Charles  M.      19.     Aug.  14.     Transferred  to  V.  R.  C. 

Allen,  Daniel.     35.     Aug.  18.     Died,  Sept.  27,  '63. 

Ashley,  James  H.  30.  Aug.  13.  Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  2,  '63.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Bills,  George.     33.     Aug.  14.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C. 

Butler,  Peter  E.     27.     Aug.  15.     Missing,  Nov.  19,  '62. 

Bonesteel,  D.  H.  18.  Aug.  14.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Bonesteel,  J.  W.     36.     Aug.   14.     Discharged  April  8,  '63. 

Bonesteel,  George  E.  23.  Aug.  14.  Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3.  Dis 
charged  March  17,  '64. 

Brown,  David  L.     18.     Aug.   12.     Mustered  out. 

Barry,  Wm.     19.     Aug.  12.     Prisoner.     Paroled.     Mustered  out. 

Bryant,  John.     22.     Aug.  10.     Discharged  March  17,  '64. 

Barnes,  Francis  L.     34.     Aug.  10.     Transferred. 

Bassett,  Daniel  V.     21.     Aug.   14.      Missing  Sept.  28,  '62. 

Belknap,  Chas.  W.     24.     Aug.  15.     Promoted  Color  Sergeant.     Mustered  out. 

Basset,  Daniel  H.     27.     Aug.  12.     Missing  Sept.  28,  '62. 

Clay,  Thomas.  41.  Aug.  8.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12.  Captured. 
Died  in  rebel  prison,  Nov.  16,  '64. 

Clapp,  E.  S.  P.  20.  Aug.  ii.  Promoted  Lieutenant.  Died  of  wounds, 
June  5,  '64. 

Carr,  Chas.     42.     Aug.  15.     Discharged  March  31,  '63. 

Cunningham,  H.  H.  21.  Aug.  14.  Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Colborn,  James,  40.     Aug.  8.     Discharged  Oct  31,  '63. 

Carr,  Daniel,  30.     Aug.  17. 

Carnrich,  James.     21.     Aug.  19.      Missing  Aug.  24,  '62. 

Cole,  Albert.     31.     Aug.  21.     Missing  Nov.  17,  '62. 

Conradt,  Darius,  19.     Aug.  14.     Mustered  out. 

Dwyer,  Edward.      18.     Aug.  n.     Killed,  Petersburg,  June  16. 

Dolan,  Jerry.     38.     Aug.  13.     Came  from  93d  N.  Y.  V.     Transferred. 

Defreest,  John  W.     18.     Aug.  n.     Killed,  Gettysburg,  July  3. 

Defreest,  Daniel  W.     23.     Aug.  12.     Transferred  to  V.  R.   C.   and  discharged. 

Daniels,  Francis.     21.     Aug.  14.     Discharged,  May  n,  '63. 

Faust,  Charles  E.     30.     Aug.  13.     Killed,  Petersburg,  June  16. 

Forcey,  Theodore.     36.     Aug.  13.      Missing,  March  31,   '63. 

Feathers,  Calvin  W.     24.     Aug.  14.     Transferred,  V.  R.  C.,  Feb.  15,  '64. 

Fuller,  George  L.     34.     Aug.  8. 

Flannigan,  William.     34.     Aug.  8.     Transferred. 

Feathers,  Adams.     26.     Aug.  14.     Mustered  out. 

File,  Phillip  A.     26.     Aug.  14.     Mustered  out. 


344       ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

Forrester,  Peter.     25.     Aug.  n.     Discharged. 

Forrester,  Samuel  C.     18.     Aug.  n.     Discharged  May  15,  '63. 

Frizzel,  Joseph.     28.     Aug.  18.     Discharged. 

Gibbs,  Zebulon.  26.  Aug.  14.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  18.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Goyer,  Norman.     44.     Aug.  14.     Transferred,  V.  R.  C. 

Green,  \Villard  D,  19.  Aug.  14.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12.  Lost 
arm.  Discharged. 

Gibbs,  Phillip  C.     26.       Aug.  14.     Transferred,  V.  R.  C. 

Green,  Patrick  H.     26.     Aug.  25.     Discharged. 

Garvin,  Michael.  18.  Aug.  n.  Wounded,  Hatcher's  Run,  March  31.  Pris 
oner.  Paroled.  Mustered  out. 

Houck,  Jacob  H.  28.  Aug.  4.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  18.  Died  of 
wounds. 

Hyde,  William  C.  18.  Aug.  13.  Promoted  Lieutenant,  July  13,  '64.  Dis 
charged,  July  21,  '64. 

Hyde,  James  H.  19.  Aug.  13.  Prisoner,  June  22,  '64.  Wounded.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Hydorn,  Timothy.     28.     Aug.    19.     Missing,  Oct.  16,  '62. 

Hayner,  Levi.     24.     Aug.  14.     Prisoner.     Died  in  rebel  prison,  Nov,  '64. 

Hastings,  Lemuel.     44.     Aug.  14.     Discharged,  April  3,  '63. 

Hulbert,  Richard.  23.  Aug.  14.  Wounded,  Petersburg,  June  22.  Prisoner, 
Ream's  Station,  Aug.  25.  Mustered  out. 

Hoffman,  John  E.  28.  Aug.  14.  Severely  wounded,  Petersburg,  June  16. 
Transferred. 

Humiston,  Horace.     35.     Aug.  25.     Mustered  out. 

Holt,  W'illiam.     23.     Aug.  14.     Killed,  Po  River,  May  10. 

Hayner,  Benjamin  F.  18.  Aug.  14.  Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Houghkish,  Charles.     25.  Aug.  22.     Mustered  out. 

Ives,  Charles  W.     19.     Aug.  12.     Killed.  Gettysburg,  July  2. 

Jones,  G.  H.     32.     Aug.  6.     Wounded,  Bristoe,  Oct.  14.     Mustered  out. 

Lee,  Isaac  B.  22.  Aug.  n.  Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12.  Died  of 
wounds. 

Lane,  Albert.  23.  Aug.  8.  Transferred,  V.  R.  C.,  Sept.  i,  '63.  Discharged, 
March.  12,  '64. 

Little,  Aleck.     21.     Aug.  4.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run. 

Lohner,  Chauncey  H.  18.  Aug.  14.  Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3.  Dis 
charged. 

Lohner,  David  F.     19.     Aug.  14.     Missing,  Oct.  20,  '62. 

Lohner,  WTilliam  H.  21.  Aug.  14.  Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  2.  Trans 
ferred. 

Lazarus,  Levi.     25.     Aug.  25.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run. 

McArdle,  Thomas.     24.     Aug.  14.      Mustered    out. 

McConkey,  J.  H.     19.     Aug.  n.     Killed,  Gettysburg,  July  3. 

Miller,  William  II.     21.     Aug.  14.      Missing,  Nov.  19,  '62. 

McGovern,  Owen.     21.     Aug.  18.     Missing,  Oct.  28,  '62. 

Morris,  James  H.  23.  Aug.  20.  Wounded,  Petersburg,  June  22.  Mustered 
out. 


ROSTER.  345 

Northrup,  David  A.     34.    Aug.  19.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run.   Died  in  rebel  prison, 
April  19,  '64. 

O'Brien,  Michael.     33.     Aug.  14.     Missing,  Nov.  25,  '62. 

Perry,  Charles  C.     25.     Aug.  10.     Discharged  Feb.  28,  '63. 

Rogers,  William  E.     27.     Aug.  4.     Missing,  Oct.  20,  '62. 

Rosecrans,  John  E.     44.     Aug.  19.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run.  Died  in  rebel  prison. 

Rifenburg,  Calvin.     21.     Aug.  14.     Died  Aug.  28,  '63. 

Rogers,   Aaron.     26.     Aug.    14.     Prisoner  Mine  Run.     Died  in  rebel  prison, 
Aug.  1 6,  '64. 

Smith,  James  L.     23.     Aug.    14.     Wounded,   Auburn,  and  at  Hatcher's  Run, 
March  31.     Promoted  Lieutenant.     Mustered  out. 

Saulter,  William.     32.     Aug.    n.     Wounded,    Po   River,   May   10.     Mustered 
out. 

Streeter,  Henry.     37.     Aug.  15.     Mustered  out. 

Smith.  Martin.     24.     Aug.  14.     Discharged  March  I,  .'63. 

Senner,  Nicholas.      19.     Aug.  14.     Discharged. 

Tilley,  Chauncey.     24.    Aug.  13.    Wounded,  Po  River,  May  10.   Mustered  out. 

Tuller,  George  L.     19.     Aug.  n.     Missing,  Sept.  12,  '62. 

VanBuren,  Arthur.     31.     Aug.  u.     Missing,  Nov    17,  '62. 

Vanderzee,  George.     24.     Aug.  12.     Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  2.     Mustered 
out. 

Vandenberg,  William  H.     18.     Aug.  14.     Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3.    Dis 
charged  Nov.  20,  '63. 

Varney,  William,     40.     Aug.    14.     Deserted. 

VanVleck,     William  H.     37.     Aug.  14.     Discharged  Nov.  17,   '62. 

Van  Wie,  Isaac.     22.     Aug.  13.     Mustered  out. 

\Vilson,  Francis  M.     36.     Aug.  14.    Wounded,  Auburn,  Oct.  14;  died  Oct.  15. 

Wager,  Levi.     37.     Aug.  14.     Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  12.     Died. 
Recruits: 

Bonesteel,  Jacob  W.     37.     Dec.  29,  '63.     Transferred. 

Conlon,  John.     21.     May  18,  '64.     Transferred. 

Diet,  Charles  H.     22.     Aug.  26,  '64.     Mustered  out. 

Eagan,  James,      19.     Feb.  29,  '64.     Never  reported  to  Company. 

Garhart,  George.     38.     Sept  12,  '64.     Mustered  out. 

Eli,  Samuel.     19.     Sept.  12,  '64.     Killed,  Hatcher's  Run,  March  31. 

McCormick,  William.     24.     March  28,  '64.     Transferred. 

Miller,  Arthur.     27.     Sept.  6,  '64.     Mustered  out. 

O'Niel,  Timothy.      26.     Oct.  17,  '64.      Missing,  Nov.  15,  '64. 

Richards,  Francis.     25.     Sept.     12,  '64.     Mustered  out. 

Schwinder,  Joseph.     28.     Dec.  16,  '63.     Transferred. 

Scouton,  Jacob.     42.     Sept.  17,  '64.      Mustered  out. 

Shay,  William.     25.     Feb.  23,  '64.     Missing. 

Wallace,  Thomas.      18.     Oct.  10,    '64.     Transferred. 

Wager,  Charles  H.  W.     19.     Aug.  21.  '64.     Mustered  out. 

Wager,  James  H.     20.     Aug.  31,  '64.     Wounded   Hatcher's  Run,    March  32. 
Died  of  wounds. 

Whiteman.  James  S.     19.     Sept.  23,  '64.      Mustered  out. 


346        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 


Mustered  out  with  regiment  .  .  .  .  27 

Transferred       .  .  ....  .  20 

Died  in  service        .  .  ...  .  22 

Missing  .  .  .  .  .  .  18 

Discharged  .......  20 

107 


I    COMPANY. 

[This  Company  was  enlisted  in  Troy,  New  York,   during  July  and  August, 
1862.     It  left  Troy  with  3  officers  and  100  enlisted  men.] 

Commissioned  Officers: 
Captains — E.  P.  Jones.     Killed,  Spottsylvania,  May  12. 

Joseph  Egolf .     Discharged  on  account  of  wounds. 
First  Lieutenants — A.  Buchanan.     Discharged. 

Edward  O'Conner.     Discharged. 
William  C.  Hyde.     Discharged. 
Charles  Bates.     Returned  home  with  regiment. 
Second  Lieutenants — Edward  Fink.     Discharged. 
A.  Goodrich.     Discharged. 
Edward  N.  Barnes.     Mortally  wounded. 
John  Keuster.     Returned  home  with  regiment. 

Enlisted  Men: 

Barto,  Bennett  G.     32.     Aug.  i.     Sergeant.     Promoted  1st  Lieutenant,  G  Com 
pany.     Resigned  March  14,  '64. 
Barnes,  Edward  N.     25.     Aug.  5.     Sergeant.     W^ounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3. 

Promoted  2d  Lieutenant,   Dec.  23.   '63.     Wounded,   Petersburg,  June  22. 

Died  in  rebel  hospital  June  24,  '64. 
Goodrich,  Aaron  J.     34.     Aug.  15.     Sergeant.    Promoted  Lieutenant,  Feb.  20, 

'63.     Dismissed  Feb.  10,  '64. 

Brown,  Clark  L.     28.     Aug.  7.     Sergeant.     Killed,  Wilderness,  May  6. 
Vanderpool,  Sylvester.     23.     Aug.  13.     Sergeant.     Killed,  Gettysburg,  July  3. 
Dwyer,  John.     42.     Aug.  15.     Sergeant.     Discharged  Dec.  20,  '62. 
Townsend,  Edward  C.     27.     July  21.     Corporal.     Discharged. 
Keuster,   John.     24.     Aug.    18.     Corporal.     \Vounded,    Petersburg,   June   22. 

Promoted  Lieutenant. 

Pease,  Platt  T.     36.    Aug.  14.  Corporal.  Wounded,  Hatcher's  Run,  March  31. 
Keeney,  Samuel.     18.     July  29.     Corporal.     Wounded,  Bristoe. 
Yakey,  Jacob  P.     19.     Aug.  n.      Corporal.     Wounded,    Petersburg,  June   22. 

Discharged. 
Vanderpool,  Charles  W.     27.     Aug.  6.    Corporal.     Promoted  Orderly  Sergeant. 

Wounded,  Oct.  14,  '63.     Mustered  out. 
Sweet,  George  W.     24.     Aug.   8.     Corporal.     Wounded,    Po  River,    May   10. 

Promoted  to  Sergeant.     Mustered  out. 


ROSTER.  347 

Moore,  Charles  E.     20.     Aug.  14.     Musician.     Mustered  out. 

Alexander,  William.     34.     Aug.  19.     Shot  by  accident  March  2,  '63. 

Anderson,  William.     28.     Aug.  22.     Missing,  Dec.  4,  '62. 

Armstrong,  William.     34.     Aug.  n.     Missing,  Oct.  u,  '62. 

Bereau,  Edward.     35.     Aug.  I.     Killed,  Gettysburg,  July  3. 

Bryer,  William.     37.     Aug.  27.     Prisoner.     Died  in  rebel  prison  Aug.  16,  '64. 

Bout,  George.     Missing,  Nov.  i,  '62. 

Brady,  Philip.      18.     Aug.  14.     Killed,  Wilderness,  with  flag  in  hand,  May  6. 

Brand,  John.     26.     Aug.  21.     Missing,  Sept.  26,  '62. 

Brennan,  Charles.     25.     Aug.  14.     Transferred,  V.  R.  C..  Aug.  I,  '63. 

Carroll,  John.     17.     July  30.     Missing,  Sept.  12,  '62. 

Catlin,  Julius.     26.     Aug.  8.     Died  in  hospital  of  disease. 

Cawley,  Philip.     44.     Aug.  12.     Discharged  April  29,  '63. 

Cipperly,  George.     27.     Aug.  4.     Transferred. 

Collins,  Patrick.     18.     Aug.  22.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run.     Died. 

Costello,  Jeremiah.     35.     Aug.  20.     Missing,  Dec.   4,  '62. 

Doulon,  Michael.     19.     Aug.  6.     Missing,  Nov.  22,  '62. 

Fitzgerald,  James.     21.    Aug.  21.    Wounded,  Po  River,  May  10.     Transferred. 

Folmsbee,  A.  P.     22.     Aug.  7.     Deserted.     Not  on  muster  roll  at  Albany. 

Fuller,  Clarkson.     17.     Aug.  2.     Transferred  to  i6gth  N.  Y.  V 

Gauders,  Joseph.     44.     July  25.     Missing,  Sept.  I,  '62. 

Brandy,  Nath.     29.     Aug.  12.     Missing,  Aug.  29,  '62. 

Gross,  Louis.     28.     Aug.    14.     Prisoner,  Petersburg,  June  22.     Mustered  out- 

Gillis,  Donald.     18.     Aug.   I.     Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July   2.     Promoted  to 

2d  Lieutenant,  Feb.  20,  '63. 

Hall,  Jordan  G.     26.     Aug.  9.     Died,  Nov.  22,  '62. 
Hollands,  Charles  W.     21.     July  21.     Missing,  Sept.  4,  '62. 
Hall,  Romaine.     18.     Aug.  I.     Discharged. 
Hamilton,  Thomas.     34.     Aug.  19.     Missing,  Sept.  30,  '62. 
Hardy,  John  A.     35.     Aug.  4.     Died  in  hospital,  Troy,  N.  Y. ,  of  disease. 
Henry,  James.     24.     Aug.  16.     Missing,  Aug.  30,  '62. 
Higgins,  George.     21.     Aug.  9.     Missing,  Oct.  16,  '62. 
Holdrich,  Jeremiah  J.     38.     July  24.     Transferred  V.  R.  C. 
Holdrich,  Samuel.     32.     Aug.  6.     Missing,  Sept.  12,  '62. 
Hutton,  John.     43.     Aug.  n.     Discharged  March  I,  '64. 
Holton,  Charles.     29.     Aug.  18.     Missing,  Aug.  29,  '62. 
Johnson,  James  D.     29.     July  24.     Killed,  Gettysburg,  July  3. 
Johnson,  John.     43.     Aug.  5.     Discharged  April  6,  '63. 
Johnson,  Charles.     23.     Aug.  30.     Mustered  out. 
Jones,  Silas  A.     33.     Aug.  9.     Killed,  Petersburg,    June  16. 
Jucharts,  Charles.     27.     Aug.  12.     Musician.     Mustered  out. 
Kane,  Michael.     19.     Aug.  15.     Wounded,  Po  River,  May  10.     Mustered  out. 
Kelly,  John.     26.     Aug.  6.     Drummed  out  of  camp. 
Keeny,  Samuel.     18.     July  29.     Transferred  to  V.  R.  C. 
Kinnaly,  John.     18.     Aug.  18.     Missing,  Nov.  22,  '62. 
Kinney,  Benjamin  W.     32.     Aug.  7.     Discharged  Sept.  28,  '63. 


348      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  X.  Y.  S  VOLS. 

Kilmer,  Milo.     26.     Aug.  6.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run.     Died  in  rebel  prison  in  '64. 

Leahy,  Daniel.     18.     Aug.  22.     Died. 

McAllister,  James.     42.     Aug.  15.     Discharged  Sept.  30,  '63. 

McAllister,  James  A.     21.     Aug.  6.     Killed,  Spottsylvania,  May  12. 

McCarthy,  John.     33.     Aug.  16.     Deserted.     Not  on  rolls  at  Albany. 

McKay,  Robert.  18.  July  26.  Prisoner,  Petersburg,  June  22.  Died  in  rebel 
prison. 

Mclntyre,  Thomas.     23.     Aug.  n.     Mustered  out. 

McMahon,  Michael.      IQ.     Aug.  15.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run. 

Mangier,  Patrick.     19.     Aug.  6.     Missing,  Nov.   21,  '62. 

Melvin,  John  F.     27.     Aug.  16.      Missing.  Oct  16,  '62. 

Melvin,  Thomas.     22.  '  Aug.  16.     Missing,  Sept.  27,  '62. 

Metzger,  George.  18.  Aug.  8.  Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  2;  also  at' Auburn, 
Oct.  14.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C. 

Metzger,  Raphael.     43.     Aug.  19.     Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.    Aug.  I,  '63. 

Moritz,  Joseph.     43.     Aug.  16.     Missing,  Sept.  19,  '62. 

Mullin,   James.     21.   Aug.  30.     Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3.     Mustered  out. 

Neelan,  William.     24.     Aug.  25.     Mustered  out. 

Nible,  William.     20.     Aug.  6.     Mustered  out. 

Nixon,  James  A.     36.     Aug.  14.     Mustered  out. 

Odell,  Amos.     43.     Aug.  6.     Deserted.     Not  on  rolls  at  Albany. 

Patterson,  Thomas.     24.     Aug.  14.     Mustered  out. 

Palmer,  James.     Not  on  rolls  at  Albany 

Pease,  Henry.     21.     Aug.  3.     Mustered  out. 

Pease,  Giles.      18.     Aug.  13.     Mustered  out. 

Pease,  Platt  T.     36.     Aug.  14.     Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  2.     Mustered  out. 

Peckham,  Adelbert.      18.     Aug.  18.     Died  Feb.  21,  '63. 

Pierce,  Alfred  D.     22.      July  21.     Transferred  to  Navy,  April  30,  '64. 

Raisch,  Jacob.     38.     Aug.  20.     Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  3.     Died  July  5. 

Ralston,  Edward.     19.     July  4.      Missing,   Sept.  12.   '62. 

Salsbury,  Albert  W.          Deserted.      Not  on  rolls  at  Albany 

Shannon,  Michael.  18.  July  22.  Wounded,  Hatcher's  Run,  March  31.  Mus 
tered  out. 

Smith,  Aaron  P.     24.     Aug.  13.     Wounded,   Po  River,   May  10.     Discharged. 

Sthob,  John.     14.     Aug.  17.     Wounded,  Wilderness.   May  6.     Mustered  out. 

Stillman,  Ezra  Jr.      18.     Aug.  5.     Mustered  out. 

Thompson,  Jacob.     33.     Aug.  5.     Transferred  to  V.  R.  C. 

Thorton,  Martin.     22.     Aug.  21.      Missing,  July  28,  '63. 

Trie,  Phillips.     43.     Aug.  13.     Wounded.     Mustered  out. 

Trember,  Gustave.     43.     Aug.  16.     Discharged. 

Van  Lewen,  George.     34.     July  29.     Mustered  out. 

"Warren,  Lorenzo.     27.     Aug.  8.     Mustered  out. 

Webber,  Christian.     37.     Aug.  19.     Killed,  Gettysburg,  July  2. 

Wiley,  William.     43.     Aug.  16.     Discharged. 

\Viley,  Rich.  18.  July  28.  Prisoner,  Ream's  Station,  Aug.  25.  Mustered 
out. 


ROSTER.  349 

Wood,  Quincy.     31.     Aug.  18.     Wounded,    Fort   Steadman,    Sept.    30.     Mus 
tered  out. 
Youmans,  Albert.     21.     July  22.     Died   Aug.  23,  '63. 

RCCJ  uits: 

Cornell,  Stephen.     24.     March  30,  '64.     Wounded,  Wilderness,  May  6. 
Conners,  John.     26.     April  4,  '64.     Transferred. 
Clements,  George.      18.     June  16,  '65.     Transferred. 
Cullen,  Martin.     Wounded,  Petersburg.  June  16.     Transferred. 
Dwyer,  Edward.     28.     Jan.  13,  '65.      Transferred. 
Edwards,    John   H.      19.     Dec.    14,   '63.     Wounded,    Spottsylvania,   May   12, 

Transferred. 

Fitzpatrick,  Francis.     26.     Oct.  18,  '64.      Transferred. 
King,  Thomas.     21.      March  31,  '64.     Missing,  April  28,  '64. 
Lee,  William.     22.     March  29,  '64.     Missing,  April  28,  '64. 
Maloney,  Patrick.     29.     April  10,  '65.  '  Transferred. 
Multuer,  John.     40.     Jan,  14,  '65.     Transferred. 
Moran,  Patrick.     29.     April  10,  '65.     Transferred. 
Parker,  James.     19.     Jan.  19,.  '65.     Missing,  April  10,  '65. 
Ribber,  G.     20.     April  6,  '65.     Transferred. 
Stone,  Henry.     27.     Jan.  25,  '65.     Tranferred. 
Seinbuck,  Jacob.     20.     April  4,  '65.     Transferred. 
Wilson,  Charles.     43.     Jan.  14,  '65.     Transferred 
Welch,  William.     20.     April  i,  '64.     Transferred. 

Mustered  out  with  regiment  ....  25 

Transferred       .  .  .  .  .  .  25 

Died  in  service        .  .  .  .  .  .23 

Missing  ......  26 

Discharged  .  .  .  .  .  .  22 

121 


K  COMPANY. 

[This  Company  was  recruited  in  Schaghticoke  and  Troy,  N.  Y.,  during  July 
and  August,  1862.     It  left  Troy  with  3  officers  and  98  enlisted  men.] 
Commissioned  Officers  : 
Captains — J.  V.  W.  Vanderburgh.     Discharged. 

Nelson  Penfield.     Discharged. 
First  Lieutenants — Charles  A.  Pickett.     Discharged. 

Merritt  B.  Miller.     Transferred  to  Adjutant. 
Albert  Reynolds.     Discharged. 
Edward  L.  Shaw.     Returned  home  with  regiment. 
Second  Lieutenants — McGregor  Steele.     Discharged. 

Lee  Churchill.     Transferred  to  B  Company  as  ist  Lieu 
tenant. 


350        ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS. 

Enlisted  Men  : 

Bryan,  George  A.     23.     July  23.     Promoted  Lieutenant.     Killed,  June  16,  '64. 

Van  Schaack,  W.  W.     41.     July  25.     Transferred  to  V.  R.  C. 

Miller,  Henry  W.  21.  Aug.  9.  Wounded,  Wilderness,  May  6.  Mustered 
out. 

Lafayette,  Travis.     23.     Aug.    9.     Killed,  Gettysburg,  July  2. 

Doty,  Andrew  J.     32.     Aug.  5.     Prisoner.     Paroled.     Mustered  out. 

Force,  Jacob  F.      19.     Aug.  13.     Appointed  Lieutenant,  U.  S.  C.  T. 

Grant,  Job  A.  21.  Aug.  14.  Prisoner,  Mine  Run.  Died  in  rebel  prison, 
July  23,  '64. 

Holden,  William  H.     20.     Aug.  14.     Prisoner.      Paroled.     Mustered  out. 

Wood,  Morgan  L.  21.  Aug.  n.  Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  2.  Died 
July  21. 

Overocher,  D.  C.      19.     Aug.    19.     Discharged. 

Davis,  James  L.     24.     Aug.  8.     Prisoner,  Po  River,  May  10.     Died. 

Mahar,  James.     20.     Aug.  2.     Died,  March  27,  '63. 

Tooney,  Michael.     26.     Aug.  14.     Missing,  July  10,  '63. 

Hagadorn,    Francis  F.     16.     Aug.  13.     Discharged  March  6,  '63. 

Aiker,  Philip.     44.     Aug.  13.     Discharged  Nov.  II,  '63. 

Anthony,  James  H.  25.  Aug.  15.  Wounded,  Sutherland  Station,  April  2. 
Transferred. 

Bradley,  Charles.     Missing,  Nov.  23,  '62. 

Bacon,  John.     22.     Aug.  n.     \Vounded,  Bristoe.     Discharged  Dec.  12,  '63. 

Buffit,  Levi.     23.     Oct.  12.     Missing,  Oct.  4,  '62. 

Bliss,  Henry  L.  19.  Aug.  22.  Appointed  ist  Lieutenant,  U.  S.  C.  T. 
Transferred 

Bushey,  Levi  B.     34.     Aug.  12.      Missing,  Aug.  31,  '62. 

Brownwell,  H.  Charles.     21.     Aug.  9.     Killed,  Gettysburg,  July  2. 

Barren,  Daniel.      21.     Aug.  14.     Discharged  April  9,  '63. 

Beauchamp,  Emory.     24.     Aug.  22.     Missing,  Nov.  23,  '63. 

Burch,  Ezra.     21.     Aug.  9.     Died  Nov.  4,  '62. 

Brand,   Thomas.     22.     Aug.  12.     Missing,    Nov    22,  '62. 

Brown,  Thomas.     25.     Aug.  5.     Wounded,  Bristoe.     Discharged  March  I,  '64. 

Bastedo,  Peter.     27.     Aug.  13.     Killed,  Spottsylvania,  May  18. 

Curley,  Thomas.     30.     Aug.  18.      Missing,  Nov.  26,  '62. 

Crandell,  C.  J.     18.      Aug.  12.     Wounded,  Gettysburg,  July  2.     Died  July  9. 

Curr,  William.     22.     July  23.     Prisoner.     Died  in  rebel  prison,  Aug.  i,  '64. 

Clark,  George.     41.     Aug.  9.     Missing,  Nov.  24,  '63. 

Coulon,  John.     44.     July  28.     Prisoner,  Bristoe.     Died  in  rebel  prison. 

Carpenter,  R.  J.  18.  Aug.  25.  Promoted  Lieutenant,  April  I,  '64.  Re 
signed,  July  6,  '64. 

Clow,  Isaac  S.     25.     Aug.   n.     Deserted. 

Doty,  William.     29.     Aug.  13.      Mustered  out. 

Doyle,  James.     30.     Aug.  29.      Mustered  out. 

Daniels,  Jacob.     19.     Aug.  3.      Missing.  Aug.  30,  '62. 

Fisher,  John.     28.     Aug.  13.     Transferred. 

Felardo,  O.      31.      Aug.  5.      Killed  by  accident  on  railroad,  Aug.  30,  '62. 


ROSTER. 


351 


Fisher,  William,  32.     Aug.  22.     Mustered  out. 

Fields,  Timothy.  20.  Aug.  13.  Prisoner,  Po  River,  May  10.  Mustered  out. 
Fisher,  Archibald.  18.  Aug.  21.  Prisoner.  Paroled.  Died,  Dec.  19,  '63. 
Fisher,  Douglas.  25.  Aug.  19.  Prisoner,  Mine  Run.  Died  in  rebel  prison, 

June  21,  '64. 

Guest,  Lorenzo.     21.     July  23.     Discharged. 
Groesbeck,    William   M.      30.      Aug.    6.      Wounded,   Spottsylvama,   May   12. 

Mustered  out. 

Green,  George.     19.     Aug.  14.     Died,  Feb.  16,  '63. 
Hammond  George  H.      17.     Aug.  25.     Musician.     Mustered  out. 
Hagadorn,  William  P.     19.     Aug.  13.     Wounded  twice  at  Bristoe.     Transferred 

as  Lieutenant  to  V.  R.  C. 
Hoyt,  Warner.     21.     Aug.    19.     Wounded,    Ream's  Station,   Aug.  25.     Mus 

tered  out. 

Horton,  Harvey.     40.     Aug.  25.     Mustered  out. 
Aug.  21.     Mustered  out. 
Mustered  out. 

Died,  June  16,  '63. 
Mustered  out. 
Missing,  Oct.  4,  '62. 
Mustered  out. 


40. 

25. 

18.     Aug.  9. 

18.      Aug.  12. 
Aug.  12 
Aug.  8. 


22. 
21. 


18.     Aug.  14. 


Houch,  Andrew. 

Houch,  Charles. 

Johnson,  David. 

Kelsey,  George. 

Kelley,  William. 

Kipp,  Abram  J. 

Kraus,  Frank.     41.     Aug.  n.     Mustered  out. 

Loomis,  Avetus.      18.     Aug.  19.      Missing  since  May  9,  '64. 

McMurray,  Michael.      18.     Aug.  9.     Wounded.      Lost  arm.     Discharged  Dec. 

n,  '63. 

McConkey,  J.  H.     28.     Aug.  8.     Wounded,  Petersburg,  June  16. 
McGowan,  William.     23.     Aug.  n.     Wounded,  Petersburg,  June  16.     Trans 

ferred  to  V.  R.  C. 

Mabb,  James  E.     34.     Aug.  i.     Mustered  out. 
Milk,  David.     44.     Aug.  9.     Severely  wounded  ;  supposed  dead. 
Martin,  William.     38.     Aug.  20.     Mustered  out. 
Marshall,  John.     19.     Aug.    19.      Missing  Aug.  31,  '62. 
McCabe,  Edward.     23.     Aug.  23.     Transferred, 
McAroy,  John.     26.     Aug.  6.     Missing,  Aug.   30,  '62. 
McPherson,  Geo.     22.     Aug.   n.     Wounded,    Po  River,    May  10.     Captured. 

Died  in  rebel  prison,  Oct.  5,  '64. 

O'Brien,  Timothy.     24.     Aug.  II.      Missing,     July  4,  '63. 
O'Neil,  John.     19.     Aug.  15.     Missing,  Nov.  24,  '62. 

Rain,  Thomas.  32.     Aug.  12.     Wounded,  Spottsylvania,  May  18.     Discharged. 
Rain,  Wm.     26.     Aug.  12.     Mustered  out. 

Wounded,  Bristoe,   Oct.    14.      Mustered  out. 
Transferred. 
Missing,  Oct.  16,  '62. 
Discharged  Dec.  19,  '63. 
Missing,  Nov.  8,  '62. 
Stratton,  Chas.  E.      18.     Aug.  9.     Prisoner.     Died  in  rebel  prison  June  21,  '64. 
Scott,  James  C.      19.     Aug.  25.     Missing,  Oct.  n,  '62. 


Robbins,  Jason. 

18. 

Aug.  ii. 

Russell,  James. 

25- 

Aug.  8. 

Roddy,  Martin. 

19. 

Aug.  15. 

Slocum,  Josiah. 

44- 

Aug.   22. 

Slocum,  Josiah, 

28. 

Aug.  4. 

352      ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  N.  Y.  S  VOLS. 

Simons,  James  K.     18.     Aug.  18.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run.     Mustered  out. 

Scharp,  Fred.     23.     Aug.  n.     Prisoner,  Mine  Run.     Died  in  rebel  prison, 

Tice,  Wm.  M.     27.     Aug.  7.     Mustered  out. 

Thwaite, William.     42.     July  28.     Prisoner,  Petersburg,  June  22.     Died. 

Turner,  Lewis.  H.     23.     Aug.  n.     Discharged  March  13,  '63. 

Thompson,  Smith.     23.     Aug.  25.     Discharged  April  9,  '63. 

Van  Loon,  William.     31.     Aug.  5.     Missing,  Aug.  31,  62. 

Van  Antwerp,   Jacob   F.     33.     July    24.     Wounded,    Spottsylvania,    May   18. 

Transferred  to  V.  R.  C. 

Van  Schaick,  Isaac.     Wounded,  Hatcher's  Run.     Transferred. 
Washburn,  Stephen  W.     39.     Aug.  26.     Died  Jan  6,  '63. 
White,  Chauncey.     27.     Aug.  6      Killed,  Gettysburg,  July  3,  '63. 
Whyland,    Alexander.     33.     Aug.    30.     Prisoner,    Mine    Run.     Died  in  rebel 

prison. 

Wolf,  Charles  M.      18.     Aug.  13.     Mustered  out. 

Wolf,  George.     19.     Aug.      19.     \Vounded,  Bristoe  and  at  Wilderness,  May  6. 
Wolf,  Wiliiam  H.     27.     July  26.     Missing,   Oct.  I,  '62. 
Ward,  Amos.     18.     July  15.     Mustered  out. 
WThite,    Frederick    B.     20.       Aug.    13.       Wounded,     Spottsylvania     May    12 

Discharged. 
W7heeler,  Washington.     21.     Aug.   6.     Wounded,    Hatcher's   Run,  March  31. 

Mustered  out. 

Reci  uits: 

Church,  J.  M.     22.     Aug.  15,  '64.     Missing,  May,  '64. 
Dee,  James.     24.     April  15,  '64       Missing,  May,  '64. 
Griffin,  Charles.     18.     Aug.  15,  '64.     Transferred. 
Hubbell,  Lyman.     17.     May  10,  '64.     Transferred. 
Kemball,  George.     22.     April  14,  '64.     Missing,  May  3,  '64. 
Kelley,  \Villiam.     32.     April  14,  '64.     Transferred. 
Lambert,  George.     24.     April  12,  '64.     Transferred. 
Lambert.  William.     24.     April  12,  '64.     Missing,  May  3,  '64. 
Murphy,  John.      19.     April  12,  '64.      Transferred,  V.  R.  C.     Aug.  13,   64. 

Maloy,  Thomas.     19.     April  12.  '64.     Missing,  May  3,  '64. 

Maglo,  George.     27.     April  12,  '64.     Wounded,  Wilderness,  May  6. 

Moore,  James.     20.     April  15,  '64.     Wounded,  Wilderness,  May  6. 

Ornoff,  Dewitt.      19     April  14,  '64.     Transferred 

Smith,  John.     24.     April  12,  '64.     Prisoner,  Petersburg,  June  22.  Transferred. 

White,  Joseph.     18.     April  12,  '64.     Missing,  May  3,  '64, 

Mustered  out  with  regiment  ....  23 

Transferred       .  .  ..  .  .  .  19 

Died  in  service        ...  .  .  24 

Missing  .  ...  .  ..  26 

Discharged  .  .  .  •  •  J8 


PART  II. 


I. 

AN  ALPHABETICAL  LIST 


OF  THE 


BATTLES  OF  THE  CIVIL  WAR, 

WITH  DATES. 


From  Fort  Sumter,  S.  C.,  April  12  and  13,  1861,  to  Kirby  Smith's 
Surrender,  May  26,  1865. 


COMPILED    FROM   THE 

OFFICIAL    RECORDS 

OK    THE    OKKICKS    OK    THE 

ADJUTANT-GENERAL  AND  THE  SURGEON-GENERAL,  U.  S.  A. 


ALPHABETICAL  LIST  OF  BATTLES. 


Abbeville,  Miss.,  Aug.  12,  23,    25,  '64. 
Abb's  Valley,  Va.,  May  8,  '64. 
Aberdeen,  Ala.,  Nov.  17,  '64. 
Aberdeen,  Ark.,  July  9,  '62. 
Abingdon,  Va.,  Dec.  15,  '64. 
Abo  Pass,  N.  Mex.,  July  3,  '65. 
Ackworth,  Ga. ,  June  3  and  4,  '64. 
Acton,  Minn.,  Sept.  2  and  3,  '62' 
Adairsville,  Ga.,  May  17  and  18,  '64. 
Adamsville,  Tenn.,  April  4,  '62. 
Aetna,  Mo.,  July  22,  '61. 
Aiken,  S.  C.,  Feb.  11,  '65. 
Albuquerque,  N.  Mex.,  April  9,  '62. 
Aldie,  Va.,  Oct.  9,  31,   62;  June  17,  '63. 
Alexandria,  La.,  Apr.  26,  '64;  May  2  to 

8,  '64. 

Alimosa,  N.  Mex.,  Oct.  4,  '61. 
Allatoona,  Ga.,  Oct.  5,  '64. 
Allen's  Farm,  Va.,  June  29,  '62. 
Alliance  Steamer,  Fla. ,  March  8,  '65. 
Alpine  Gap,  Ga.,  Sept.  11,  '63. 
Alpine  Station,  Va,,  Jan.  4,  '62. 
Altoona  Hills,  Ga.,  May  25  to  June  4,  '64. 
Amelia  Springs,  Va.,  April  5,  '65. 
Ainitie  River,  La.,  March  28,  '63 ;  March 

18,  '65. 

Anandale,  Va.,  Dec.  4,  61. 
Anderson's  Crossroads,  Tenn.,  Oct.  2,  '63 
Anderson's  Gap,  Tenn.,  Oct.  1,  '63. 
Anthony's  Hill,  Tenn.,  Dec.  25,  '64. 
Antietam,  Md.,  Sept.  16  and  17,  '62. 
Antioch  Station,  Tenn.,  April  10,  '63. 
Autoine,  Ark.,  April  2,  '64. 
Aiixvois  River,  Tenn.,  Oct.  20,  '62. 
Apache   Canon,  N.    Mex.,  March   26  to 

28,  '62. 

Apache  Pass,  Ariz.,  July  15,  '62. 
Appomattox  C.  H.,  Va.,  Apr.  9,  '65. 
Arivapo  Canon,  June  8,  '64. 
Arkadelphia,  Ark.,  Feb.  15,  '63;  March 

28,  '64. 

Arkansas  Post,  Ark.,  Jan.  11,  '63. 
Arkansas  River,  Ark.,  Dec.  18,  '64. 
Armstrong  Ferry,  Tenn.,  Jan.  22,  '64. 
Arrowfield  Church,  Va. ,  May  9  and  10, 

'64. 

Arrow  Rock,  Mo.,  July  29,  '62. 
Arthur's  Swamp,  Va.,  Aug.  29  and  30, 

Sept.  30  and  Oct.  1,  '64. 
Ash  Bayou,  La.,  Nov.  19,  '64. 
Ashby's  Gap,  Va.,  Sept.  22,  '62;  July  12, 

'63;  July  18,  '64;  Feb.  18,  '65. 


Ashepoo  River,  S.  C.,  May  16,  '64. 
Ashlaud,  La.,  June  6  to  8,  '63 
Ashland,  Va.,  May  11  and  30,  '64;  Mar. 

15,  '65. 

Ashley's  Mills,  Ark.,  Sept.  7,  '63. 
Ashley's  Station,  Ark. ,  Aug.  24,  '64. 
Ashton,  La.,  May  1,  '64. 
Ashwood,  Miss.,  June  25,  '64. 
Ash  wood  Landing,  La.,  May  1  to  4,  '64 
Assault  on  Fort  Wagner,  S.  C.,  July  10 

and  11,  '63. 

Atchafalaya,  La.,  Sept.  9  and  10,  '63. 
Atchafalaya  River,    La.,    Sept.    7,   '63; 

July  28,  '64. 
Athens,  Ala..  Jan.  25,  Sept.  23,  Oct.   1 

and  2,  '64. 

Athens,  Ky.,  Feb.  23,  '63. 
Athens,  Mo.  Aug.  5,  '61 
Athens  Ranch,  Col..  Aug.  22,  '64. 
Atlanta,  seige  of,  Ga.,  July  21  to  Sept. 

2,   '64. 

Atlee's,  Va.,  March  1,  '64. 
Auburn,  Ga.,  July  18,  '64. 
Auburn,  Va.,  Oct.  14,  '63. 
Augusta,  Ark.,  April  1  and  Sept.  2,  '64. 
Augusta,  Ky.,  Sept.  27,  '62. 
Austin,  Ark.,  Aug.  31,  '63. 
Austin,  Miss,,  Aug.  2,  1862. 
Averysboro,  N.  C.,  March  15,  16,  '65. 
Avoyelle's  Prairie,  La.,  May  14-16,  '64. 

B 

Bachelor's  Creek,   N.  C.,  Nov.    11,  '62; 

May  23,  '63;  Feb.  1  to  3,  '64. 
Bacon  Creek,  Ky. ,  Dec.  26,  '62. 
Bad  Lands,  D.  T,,  Aug.  8,  '64. 
Bagdad,  Ky.,  Dec.  12,  '61. 
Baker's  Creek,  Miss.,  May  16,  '63;  Feb. 

5,   '64. 

Baker's  Springs,  Ark.,  Jan.  24,  25,  '64. 
Baldwin,  Miss.,  June  9  and  Oct  2,  '62. 
Baldwin's  Ferry,  Miss.,  May  13,  '63. 
Ball's  Bluff,  Va.,  Oct.  21,  '61. 
Ball's  Crossroads,  Va.,  Aug.  27,  '61. 
Ball's  Ferry,  Ga.,  Nov.  24  and  25,  '64. 
Ball's  Mills,  Mo.,  Aug.  28  and  29,  '61. 
Baltimore,  street  of ,  Md.,  April  19,  '61. 
Baltimore  Crossroads,  Va.  June  26  and 

July  2,  '63. 
Barber's  Crossroads,  Va. ,  Nov.  5,  '62 ; 

Sept.  1,  '63. 

Barber's  Place,  Fla. ,  Feb.  9  and  10,  '64. 
Barboursville,  W.  Va.,  July  12  and  Sept. 

18,  '61. 


IV 


Bardstown,  Ky.,  Oct.  4,  '62. 
Barnett's  Ford,  Va.,  Feb.  7,  '64. 
Barnwell's   Island,  S.  C.,  Nov.  24,  '63. 
Barrancas,  Fla.,  July  22  '64. 
Barren  Fork,  I.  T.,  Dec.  19,  '63. 
Bartlett's  Mills,  Va.,  Nov.  27,  '63. 
Barton  Station,  Miss.,  April  16  and  Oct. 

20,  '63. 

Bastin  Mountain,  Mo.,  Nov.  9.  '62. 
Batesville,  Ark.,  July  14,  '62 ;  Feb.  4  '63. 
Bath,  Va.,  Jan  4,  '62;  Sept.  8,  '63, 
Baton  Rouge,  La.,  Aug.  5,  '62;  Sept.  8, 

'63;  Mar.  8,  May  3,  June   16,   '64. 
Battery  Huger,  Va.,  April  18,  '63. 
Battle  Creek,  Tenn.,  June  21,  '62. 
Baxter's  Springs,  Ark.,  Oct.  6,  '63. 
Bayle's  Crossroads,  La.,  Oct.  12,  '61. 
Baylor's  Farm,  Va.,  June  15,  '64. 
Bayou  Barnard,  I.  T.,  July  28,  '62. 
Bayou  Biddell,  La.,  Oct.  15,  '64. 
Bayou  Boeuff,  La.,  Dec.   13,  '63;  May 

7,  '64. 

Bayou  Bontecom,  La.,  Nov.  21,  '62. 
Bayou  Bordeaux,  La.,  Nov.  3,  '63. 
Bayou  Cache,  Ark. ,  July  7,  '62. 
Bayou  De  Glaize,  La.,  May  18,  '64. 
Bayou  De  Mora,  La.,  May  12,  '64. 
Bayou  De  View,  Ark.,  July  7,  '62. 
Bayou  La  Fourche,  La.,  Nov.  19,  '64. 
Bayou  La  Mourie,  La.,  May  7,  '64. 
Bayou  Macon,  La.,  May  10,  '63. 
Bayou  Mason,  Miss. ,  July  — ,  '64. 
Bayou  Metoe,  Ark.,  Aug.  27,  Sept.  1,  '63. 
Bayou  Pierre,  Miss.,  May  2,  '63. 
Bayou  Rapids,  La.,  March  21,  '64. 
Bayou  Roberts,  La.,  May  8,  '64, 
Bayou  Sara,  Miss.,  Nov.  9,  '63. 
Bayou  Saint  Louis,  Miss.,  Nov.  17,  '63. 
Bayou  Teche,  La.,  Nov.  3,  '62;  Jan,  14, 

'63. 
Bayou  Tensas,  La.,  June  30   and  Aug. 

10,  '63;  July  30  and  Aug.  26,   '64. 
Bayou  Tunica,  La.,  Nov.  9,  '63. 
Bay  Springs,  Miss.,  Oct.  26,  '63. 
Beachtown,  Ga.,  July  22,  '64, 
Bealington,  W.  Va.,  July  8,  '61. 
Bealton,  Va.,  Oct.  24,  '63 ;  Jan.  14,  '64. 
Bean's  Station,  Tenn.,  Dec.  9,  '62;  Dec. 

10  and  14,  '63. 

Bear  Creek,  Ala.,  April  17,  Oct.  26,  '63. 
Bear  Creek,  Mo.,  Feb.  5,  '63. 
Bear  Creek,  Miss.,  Oct.  27,  '63.       . 
Bear  Creek  Station,  Ga.,  Nov.   16,  '64. 
Bear  River,  W.  T.  Jan.  29,  '63. 
Bear- Skin  Lake,  Mo.,  Sept.  7,  '63. 
Bear  Wallow,  Ky.,  Dec.  25,  '62. 
Beaver  Creek,  Ky.,  June  27,  '63. 


Beaver  Creek,  MD.,  Nov.  24,  '62. 
Beaver-Dam  Lake,  Miss.,  May  24,  '63. 
Beaver-Dam  Station,  Va.,  May  9,  '64. 
Beckwith  Farm,  Mo.,  Oct.  13,  '61. 
Beech  Creek,  W.  Va.,  Aug.  6,  '62. 
Beech  Grove,  Ky.,  Jan.  19  and  20,  '62. 
Beech  Grove,  Tenn.,  June  25,  '63. 
Beersheba  Springs,  Tenn.,  Nov.  26,  '63-, 

March  20,  '64. 

Beher's  Mills,  Va.,  Sept.  2,  '61. 
Belcher's  Mills,  Va.,  May  16  and  Sept. 

17,  '64. 

Bellefield,  Va.,  Dec.  9,  '64. 
Belmont,  Mo.,  Nov.  7,  '61. 
Bennett's  Mills,  Mo.,  Sept.  1,  '61. 
Benton,  Miss.,  May  7,  '64. 
Bentonville,    Ark.,  March  6,  '62;  Feb. 

20  and  Aug.  15,  '63. 
Bentonville,  Mo.,  Feb.  19,  '62;  May  22, 

'63. 

Bentonsville,  N.  C.,  March  18  to  21,  '65. 
Bent's  Old  Fort,  Texas  Nov.  24,  '64. 
Bermuda  Hundred,  Va.,  May  4  and  16 

to  30,  June  2,  Aug.  24  and  25,  Nov. 

30  to  Dec.  4  and  Dec.  13,  '64. 
Berry's  Ferry,  Va.,  May  16,  '63. 
Berryville,  Va.,  Dec.  1,  '62;  June 6,  12, 

Oct.  18,  '63 ;  Aug.  22,  Sept.  3  and 

4,  '64;  April  17,  '65. 
Berryville  Pike,  Va.,  Aug.  10,  '64. 
Bertrand,  Mo.,  Dec.  11,  '61. 
Berwick,  La.,  April  26,   64. 
Berwick  City,  La.,  March  13,  '63. 
Bethesda  Church,  Va.,  May  30  to  June 

6,  '64. 

Bett's  Farm,  Mo.,  July  24,  '62. 
Beverly  W.  Va.,  July  12,  '61;  April  24 

and  July  2,  '63;  Oct.  29,  '64;  Jan. 

11,  '65. 

Beverly  Ford,  Va.,  Jnne  9,  Oct.  22,  '63. 
Bidnella  Crossroads,  Va.,  March  1,  '65. 
Big  Beaver  Creek,  Mo.,  Nov.  7,  '62. 
Big  Bethel,  Va.,  April  4,  '62. 
Big  Black  River,  Miss.,  May  3  and  17, 

July  4  and  5,  and  Oct.  13,  '63;  Feb. 

4,  '64. 
Big  Black  River  Bridge,  Miss.,  Aug.   12 

and  Sept.  11,  '63;  Nov.  27,  '64. 
Big  Blue,  Mo.,  Oct.  23  and  31,  '64. 
Big  Creek,  Ark.,  July  10,  '63;  July  26, 

'64. 

Big  Creek,  Mo.,  Sept.  9,  '62. 
Big  Creek  Gap,  Tenn.,  Sept.  4,  '62. 
Big  Hatchie  River,  Miss.,  Oct.  5,  62. 
Big  Hill,  Ky.,  Aug.  23,  '62. 
Big  Hill  Road,  Ky.,  Oct.  23,  '62. 
Big  Hurricane  Creek,  Mo.,  Oct.  19,    61. 


Big  Indian  Creek,  Ark.,  May  27,  '62. 
Big  Indian  Creek,  Mo.,  May  26,  '62. 
Big  Mound,  D.  T.,  July  24,  '63. 
Big  North  Fork  Creek,  Mo.,  June  16, 

'64. 

Big  Pigeon  River,  Tenn.,  Nov.  5.  6,  '64. 
Big  Pine  Creek,  Cal.,  April  10,  '63. 
Big  Piney,  Mo.,  July  25  and  26,  '62. 
Big  Kiver  Bridge,  Mo.,  Oct.  15,  '61. 
BigSandv,  Col.,  Nov.  29,  '64. 
BigSewell,  W.  Va.,  Dec.  12,  '63 
Big  Shanty,  Ga.,  June  6,  Sept.  2,  Oct.  3, 

'64. 

Big  Spings,  Ky.,  Jan. — ,  '65. 
Binniker's  Bridge,  S.  C.,  Feb.  9,  '65. 
Birch  Coolie,  Minn.,  Sept.  2  and  3,  '62. 
Bird  Song  Ferry,  Miss.,  June   18,  and 

July  4  and  5,  '63. 
Bird's  Point,  Mo.,  Aug  19,  '61. 
Birmingham,  Miss.,  A^pril  24,  '63. 
Bisland,  La.,  April  12  to  14,  '63. 
Black  Bayou,  Miss,,  April  10,  '63;  Mar. 

19,  '64. 
Blackburn's    Ford,    Va.,    July  18,   '61; 

Sept.  19,  '62;  Oct.  15,  '63. 
Black  Canon,  A.  T.,  May  6,  '65. 
Black  Creek,  Fla.,  July  27,  '64. 
Blackford's  Ford,  Va.,  Sept.  20,  '62. 
Black-Jack  Forest,  Tenn.,  March  16,  '62. 
Blackland,  Miss.,  June  4.  '62. 
Black  River,  La,,  Nov.  1,  '64. 
Black  River,  Miss. ,  July  1  and  2,  '63. 
Black  River,  Mo. ,  Sept.  12,  '61 ;  July  8, 

'62 ;  Sept.  17  to  20,  '64. 
Black  Run,  Mo.,  July  8,  '62. 
Blackville,  S.  C.,  Feb.  11,  '65. 
Black  Walnut  Creek,  Mo.,  Nov.  29,  '61. 
Black  Warrior  Creek,  Ala.,  May  1,  '63. 
Black  Water,  Mo.,  Dec.  19,  '61;  Oct.  12, 

'63;    Sept.  23,  '64. 
Blackwater,  Va.,  Sept.  28  and   Oct.  24, 

'62 ;  March  17,  '63. 

Blain's  Crossroads,  Tenn.,  Dec.  16,  '63. 
Block  House,  No.  4,  Tenn.,  Aug.  —  ,  '64. 
Block  House,  No.  5,  Tenn.,  Aug.  31,  '64. 
Block  House,  No.  2,  Tenn.,  Dec.  2  and 

3,  '64. 

Block  House,  No.  7,  Tenn.,  Dec.  4,  '64. 
Bloomfield,  Mo.,  May  11,  July  29,  Aug. 

25  and  29,  Sept.  11  to  13,  '62 ;  Mar. 

1,  April  29  and  30,  and  May  12,  '63. 
Bloomfield,  Va.,  Nov.  2,  '62. 
Blooming  Gap,  Va.,  Feb.  13,  '62. 
Blount's  Farm,  Ala.,  May  2,  '63. 
Blount's  Mills,  N.  C.,  April  9,  '63. 
Blountsville,  Tenn.,  Sep.  22,  Oct.  13,  '63 


Blue  Gap,  Va.,  Jan.  7,  '62. 
Blue  Island,  Ind.,  June  19,  '63. 
Blue  Mills,  Mo.,  July  24,  61. 
Blue  Mills  Landing,  Mo. ,  Sept.  17,  '61. 
Blue  River,  Mo.,  June  18,  '63. 
Blue  Springs,  Mo.,  March  22,  '63. 
Blue  Springs,  Tenn.,  Oct.  10,  '63. 
Bluff   Springs,  Ala.,  March  27,  '65. 
Bluffton,  S.  C.,  June  4,  '63. 
Bob's  Creek,  Mo.,  March  7,  '62. 
Bogg's  Mills,  Ark.,  Jan.  24,  '65. 
Bogler's  Creek,  Ala.,  April  1,  '65. 
Bole's  Farm,  Mo.,  July  23,  '62. 
Bollinger  County,  Mo..  Jan.  14,  '64. 
Bolivar,    Miss.,  Aug.   25  and   Sept.   19, 

'62 ;  May  3,  '64. 
Bolivar,  Tenn.,  Aug.  30   and   Sept.   21, 

'62;  Feb.  13,  March  9  and  Dec.  24 

and  25,  '63;  Feb.  6,  March  29,  and 

May  3,  '64. 

Bolivar.  Va.,  July  4  to  7,  '64. 
Bolivar  Heights,  Va.,  Oct.  16,  '61. 
Bolinger's  Mills,  Mo.,  July  29,  '62. 
Bolton,  Miss.,  July  4  and  5,  '63. 
Bolton's  Depot,  Miss.,  July  16,  '63;  Feb. 

4,  '64. 

Bone  Yard,  Tenn.,  Feb.  10,  '63. 
Bonfonca,  La.,  Nov.  26,  '63. 
Boone,  N.  C.,  April  1,  '65, 
Boone  Court  House,  W.  Va.,  Sept.  1,'61. 
Booneville,  Mo.,  June  17  and   Sept.  13, 

'61;  Oct.  12,  13,  '63;  Oct.  9-11,  '64. 
Boons boro,  Ark.,  Nov.  7  and  28,  '62. 
Boonsboro,    Md.,  Sept.   15,  '62;  July  7 

to  9,  '63. 

Boonville,  Miss.,  May  30  and  July  1,  '62. 
Boston   Mountain,    Ark.,    Nov.   28  and 

Dec.  4  to  6,  '62. 
Bottom's  Bridge,  Va.,  July  2  and   Aug. 

28,  '63. 

Bowling  Green,  Ky.,  Feb.  1  and  15,  '62. 
Boyd's  Station,  Ala.,  March  18,  '65. 
Boyd's  Station,  Nev.,  June  3,  '65. 
Boyton  Road,  Va.,  Oct.  27  and  28,  '64; 

March  31,  '65. 
Boyken's  Mills,    S.    C.,    April   18,  '64; 

April  18,  '65, 

Bradford's  Springs,  S.  C.,  April  18,  '65. 
Brady ville,  Tenn.,  March  1  and  May  16, 

'63. 

Branchville,  Ark.,  Jan.   17  and    19,  '64. 
Brandenburg,  Ky.,  July  8,  '63. 
Brandon,  Miss.,  July  13  to  20,  '63. 
Brandon  Station,  Miss.,  July  19,  '63. 
Brandy  Station,  Va.,  Aug.  20,  '62;  June 

9,  Aug.  1  to  3,  Sept  6,  Nov.  8,  '63. 


VI 


Brashear  City,  La.,  March  18  and   June 

23,  '63. 

Brawley  Fork,  Tenn.,  March  25,  '65 
Brazil  Creek,  I.  T.,  Oct.  11,  '63. 
Brazos  de   Santiago,  Texas,  Nov.  2,  '63. 
Breutsville,  Va.,  Feb.,  14,  '63;  Feb.  14, 

'64. 

Brentville,  Tenn.,  Dec.  9,  '62. 
Breiitwood,  Tenn.,  March  25,  '63;  Dec. 

15  and  16,  '64. 

Brewer's  Lane,  Ark.,  Sept.  11,  '64. 
Briar,  Mo.,  March  26,  '62. 
Brice's  Crossroads,    Miss.,  June  10  '64. 
Bridgeport,  Ala.,  April  29,  '62. 
Bridgeport   Ferry,  Miss.,  July  1,  2,  '63. 
Brier  Creek,  Ga.,  Dec.  4,  '64. 
Briggen  Creek,  S.  C.,  Feb.  25,  '65. 
Brimstone  Creek,  Tenn.,  Sept.   10,  '63. 
Bristoe  Station,  Va.,  Oct.  14,  '63;  April 

15,  '64. 

Bristol,  Tenn.,  Sept.  21,  '63 ;  Dec.  14,  '61. 
Britton's  Lane,  Tenn.,  Sept.  1,  '62. 
Broad  Kiver,  S.  C. ,  April  8,  '63. 
Broad  Eun,  Va.,  April  1,  '63. 
Brooklyn,  Kan.,  A»g.  21,  !63. 
Brook's  Turnpike,  Va. ,  March  1,  '64. 
Browne's  Crossroads,  Ga.,  Nov.  27  to  29, 

'64 

Brown's  Ferry,  Tenn.,  Oct.  27,  '63. 
Brown's  Gap,  Va.,  Sept.  26,   '64. 
Brown's  Springs,  Mo.,  July  27,  '62. 
Brownsville,    Ark.,   July  25,   Aug.    25, 

Sept.  14  and  16,  '63;  Aug.  25  and 

Oct.  30,  '64. 
Brownsville,  Miss,,  June  18  and  Oct.  15 

to  23,  '63  ;  Sept.  28,  '64. 
Brownsville,  Tenn  ,  July  25  and  29,  '62. 
Brunswick.  Mo.,  Aug.   17,  '61. 
Bryant's  Plantation,  Fla.,  Oct.  21,  '64. 
Buchanan,  Va.,  June  14,  '64. 
Buckhannon,  W.  Va. ,  July  6,  1861. 

Do.  July  26,  62. 

Buckhead  Creek,  Ga.,  Nov.   27,  29,  '64. 
Buckland  Mills,  Va.,  Oct.  19,  '63. 
Buckstone  Station,  Va.,  May  23,  '62. 
Buffalo,  W.  Va.,  Sept.  27,  '62. 
Buffalo  Creek,  Ga.,  Nov.  26,  '64. 
Buffalo  Gap,  W.  Va.,  June  6,  '64. 
Buffalo  Hill,  Ky.,  Oct.  4,  '61. 
Buffalo  Mills,  Mo.,  Oct.  22,  '61. 
Buffalo  Mountain,  Va.,  Dec.  13,  '61. 
Buffington  Island,  Ohio,  July  19,  '63 
Buford's  Gap,  Va.,  June  21,  '64. 
Buford's  Station,  Tenu.,  Dec.  23,  '64. 
Bull  Bayou,  Ark.,  Aug.  26,  '64. 
Bull  Creek,  Ark.,  Aug.  6  and  27,  '64. 


Bull  Pasture  Mountain,  Va.,  May  8,  '62. 
Bull  Run,  Va.,  July  21,  '61;  Aug.  30,  '62 
Bull  Kun  Bridge,  Va.  Aug   27,  '62. 
Bull's  Gap,  Tenn,  Sept.  24,  Nov.  13,  '64. 
Bulltown,  Va.,  Oct  13,  '63. 
Bunker  Hill,  Va.,  July  17,  '61. 
Burkesville,  Ky.,  July  2,  '63. 
Burke's  Station,  Va.,  Mar.  10,  '62. 
Burned  Church,  Ga.,  May  26,  '64. 
Burnt  Hickory,  Ga.,  May  24  to  June  4, 

July  4  and  5,  '64. 
Burnt  Ordinary,  Va.,  Jan.  19,  '63. 
Burton's  Ford,  Va.,  March  1,  '64. 
Bushy  Creek,  Ark. ,  Dec.  8,  '61. 
Bushy  Creek,  Mo.,  May  28,  '63. 
Butler,  Mo.,  Nov.  20,    '61,   May  15,  26, 

Oct.  29,  '62. 

Butler's  Bridge,  N.  C,,  Dec.  12,  '64. 
Butler's  Creek,  Tenu.,  Nov.  22,  '64, 
Buzzard  Roost,  Ga.,  Feb.  25  to  27,  '64. 
Buzzard  Roost  Block  House,   Ga  ,  Oct. 

13,  '64. 

Buzzard  Roost  Gap,  Ga.,  May  8,  '64. 
Byhaha,  Miss.,  Oct.  12,  '63. 


Cabin  Creek,  I.  T.,  July  1,  2,  5  and  20, 
'63;  Sept.  19  and  Nov.  4,  '64. 

Cabin  Point,  Va.,  Aug.  5,  '64. 

Cabletown,  Va.,  March  10,  '64. 

Cacapon  Bridge,  Va.,  Sept.  6,  '62. 

Cache  River,  Ark..  April  22,  '64. 

Cache  River  Bridge,    Ark.,  May  28,  '62. 

Caddo  Gap,  Ark.,  Dec.  4.  63;  Jan  26 
and  Feb.  12  and  16,  64. 

Caddo  Mountains,  Ark.,  Feb.  12,  '64. 

Cahawba  River,  Ga.,  April  8,  '65. 

Cainsville,  Tenn.,  Feb.  15,  '63. 

Cajou  DeArivaypo,  N.  Mex  ,  May  7,  '63. 

Calf  Killer  Creek,  Tenn.,  Feb.  23,  '64. 

Calf  Killer  River,  Tenn,  March.  18,  '64 

Calhoun,  Mo.,  Jan.  4,  '62. 

Calhoun,  Tenn.,  Sept.  26,  '63. 

Calhoun  Station,  La.,  May  18,  '64. 

California,  Mo.,  Oct.  9  and  10,  '64. 

California  House,  Mo.,  Oct.  18,  '62. 

Cambridge,  Mo.,  Sept.  26,  '62. 

Carnden,  Ark.,  April  2,  15,  16,  18  and 
24,  '64. 

Camden,  N.  C.,  April  19,  '62. 

Camden  Point,  Mo.,  July  13,  '64. 

Cameron,  Mo.,  Oct.  12,  '61. 

Cameron,  Va.,  Jan.  27,  '64. 

Camp  Alleghany,  W.  Va.,  Dec.  13,  '61. 

Camp  Babcock,  Ark.,  Nov.  22,  '62. 


Vll 


Campbell's  Station,  Tenn.,  Nov.  16,  '63. 
Campbellton,  Ga.,  July,  28,  '64. 
Campbellville,  Tenn.,  Sept.  5,  Nov.  24, 

and  Dec.  24,  '64. 
Camp  Cole,  Mo.,  June  18,  '51. 
Camp  Crittenden,  Mo.,  Sept.  22,  '61. 
Camp  Jackson,  Mo.,  May  10,  '61. 
Camp  Marengo,  La.,  Sept.  14,  '64. 
Camp  Moore,  La.,  May  15,  '63. 
Campti,  La.,  March  26  and  April  4,  '61. 
Camp  Verdigris,  I.  T.,  Sept.  2,  '64. 
Canadian  Kiver,  I.  T.,  Aug.  21,  '64. 
Cane  Creek,  Ala.,  Oct.  26,  '63;  June  10, 

'64. 
Cane  Hill,  Ark.,    Nov.  28   and  Dec.  20, 

'62 ;  Jan.  2,  '63. 

Cane  River,  La.,  April  24,  '64. 
Cane  Kiver  Crossing,  La.,  April  23,  '64. 
Canon  De  Chelly,  Jan.  — ,  '64. 
Canton,  Ky.,  Aug.  22,  '64. 
Canton,    Miss.,    July  11  to   18,  Sept.  28 

and  Oct.  15,  '63 ;  Feb.  24  to  March 

2,  '64. 
Cape  Girardeau,  Mo.,  April  26,  '63;  Feb. 

5,  '64. 

Capture  of  Fort  Hell,  Va.,  Sept.  10,  '64. 
Capture  of   Rebel  Ram   Fair  Play,   La., 

Aug.  18,   62. 
Capture  of  tug  Columbia,  Fla.,  May  23, 

'64. 

Carnif ax  Ferry,  Va.,  Sept.  10,  '61. 
Carrick's  Ford,  W.  Va.,  July  15,  '61. 
Carrion  Crow  Bayou,    La.,    Nov.  *3  and 

18,  '63. 

Carroll  County,  Ark. ,  Apiil  4.  '63. 
Carrollton,  Ark.,  March  — ,  '63. 
Carrollton  Store,  Va.,  March  13,  '64. 
Carsville,  Va.,  Oct.  15,  '62;  Jan.  30,  May 

15  to  18,  '63. 

Carter's  Creek,  Tenn. ,  April  27,  '63. 
Carter's  Farm,  Va.,  July  20,   64. 
Carter's  Station,  Ark.,  Sept.  27,  '64. 
Carter's   Station,  Tenn.,    Dec.  20,    '62. 

Sept.  22,  '63;  April  25  and  26,  '64. 
Carthage,  Ark.,  Nov.  27,  '62. 
Carthage,  La.,  Jan.  23,  '63. 
Carthage,  Mo.,    July  5,   '61;   March  23, 

'62;  Jan.  13,    May  16  and  24,  June 

27  and  28  and  Oct.  26,  '63 ;  Sept.  22 

and  Oct.  26,  '64. 
Cass  County,  Mo.,  Nov.  3,  '62. 
Cassville,  Ga.,  May  19  to  22,  '64. 
Cassville,  Mo.,  Sept.  21,  '62. 
Cassville  Station,  Ga.,  May  25,  '64. 
Castor  River,  Mo.,  April  2(J,  '63. 
Catawba  River,  N.  C.,  April  19,  65. 
Catletts  Station,  Va.,    Aug.  21  and  22 


and  Oct.  24,  '62 ;  Jan.  10,  '63. 
Cedar  Bluffs,  Colo. ,  May  3,  '64. 
Cedar  Creek,  Va.,'Oct.  19,  '64. 
Cedar  Fork,  U.  T.,  April  2,   63. 
Cedar  Keys,  Fla.,  Feb.  16,    65. 
Cedar  Mountain,  .ya.,  Aug.  9,  '62. 
Cedar  Run,  Va.,  Aug.  9,  '62. 
Cedar  Run  Church,  Va.,  Oct.  17,  '64. 
Cedar  Springs,  Va.,  Nov.  12,  '64. 
Celina,  Ky.,  April  20,  '63. 
Celma,  Tenn.,  Dec.  7,  '63. 
Centralia,  Mo.,  Sept.  27,  '64. 
Centre  Creek,  Mo.,  Feb.  20,  '65. 
Centreville,  Ala.,  April  1,  '65. 
Centreville,  La.,  April  13,  '63. 
Centreville,  Tenn.,    Nov.    3,    '63;  Sept. 

29,  '64. 

Chackahoola  Station,  La.,    Jime  24,  '63. 
Chalk  Bluffs,  Ark.,  May  15,  '62;  March 

15,  April  1  and  30,   and  May  1,  '63. 
Chambersburg,  Pa.,  July  30,  '64. 
Champion  Hill,  Miss.,  May  16,  '63;  Feb. 

4,  '64. 

Chancellorsville,  Va. ,  May  1  to  5,  '63. 
Chantilly,  Va.,  Sept.  1,  '62. 
Chapel's  Hill,  Tenn.,  March  2  and  4,  'C3 
Chapin's  Farm,  Va.,   Sept.    29  and  30, 

and  Nov.  4,  '64. 
Chaplin  Hills,  Ky.,  Oct.  8,  '62. 
Chapmansville,  W.  Va.,  Sept.  25,  '61. 
Chariton  Bridge,  Mo.,  Aug.  3,  '62. 
Chariton  River.  Mo.,  Aug.  9,  '62. 
Charles  City  Crossroads,  Va.,  June  30, 

'62 ;  Nov.  16,  '63 ;  Oct.  1,  '64. 
Charleston,  Ills.,  March  28,  '64. 
Charleston,  Mo.,  Jan.  8,  '62. 
Chrrleston,  S.  C.,  Feb.  18,  '65. 
Charleston,  Tenn.,  Dec.  28.  '63. 
Charleston,  Va.,  Oct.  6  and  16  and  Dec. 

1,  '62. 

Charlestown,  Mo.,  Aug.  19,  '61. 
Charlestown,  W.  Va.,  May  28  and  Sept. 

12,  '62;  Oct.  8  and  18,  '63;  June  27, 
'64. 

Chattahoochie  River,  Ga.,  July  3  to  12, 

'64. 
Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  Aug.  21  and  Nov. 

23  to  25,  '63;  Feb.  — ,  '65. 
Cheat  Mountain,  W.  Va.,  Sept.  12  and 

13,  '61. 

Cheek's  Crossroads,  Tenn.,  Mar.  14,  '64. 
Cheese  Cake  Church,  Va.,  May  4,  '62. 
Cheraw,  S.  C.,  March  2  and  3,  '65. 
Cherokee  Nation,  I.  T.,  Jan.  18,  '63. 
Cherokee  Station,  Ala.,  April  17  and  Oct. 

21  and  29,  '63., 
Cherry  Creek,  Miss.  July  10,  '63. 


Vlll 


Cherry  Grove,  Mo.,  June  26,  '62. 
Cherry  Grove,  Va.,  April  14,  '64. 
Chesterfield,  S.  C.,  March  2,  '65. 
Chester  Gap,  Va.,  Nov.  5,  '62;  and  July 

21  and  22,  '63. 

Chester  Station,  Va.,  Nov.  17,  '64. 
Chewa  Station,  Ga.,  July  18,  64. 
Chickahoniiny,  Va.,  May  24,  June  27,  '62 
Chickamicomico,  N.  C.,  Oct.  5,  '61. 
Chickamauga,  Ga.,  Sept.  19  to  23,  '63. 
Chickamauga  Station,  Ga.,  Nov.  26,  '63. 
Chickasaw  Bayou,  Miss. ,  Dec.  28  and  29, 

'62. 

Chickasaw  Bluffs,  Miss,  Dec.  29,  '62. 
Childsburg,  Va,,  May  9,  '64. 
Chippewa,  Steamer,  Ark.,    Feb.  17,  '65. 
Choctaw  Nation,  I.  T.,  Oct.  7,  and  Nov. 

9,  '63 

Christmas  Prairie,  Cal.,  Dec.  26,  '63. 
Chulahoma,  Miss.,  Nov.  30,  '62. 
Chunky  Station,  Miss.,  Feb.  12,  '64. 
Church-in-the-Woods,  Va.,  Aug.  6,  '62. 
City  Belle  Steamer,  La.,  May  3,  !64. 
City  Point,  Va.,  May  6  and  June  — ,  '64 
Civiques  Ferry,  La.,  May  10,  '63. 
Clarendon.  Ark.,  Aug.  13,  '62; March  15, 

June  25  to  30,  and  July  14,  '64. 
Clarendon  Road,  Ark.,  Jan.  15,  '63. 
Clarke's  Hollow,  W.  Va.,  May  1,  '62. 
Clarke's  Neck,  Ky.,  Aug.  27,  '63. 
Clarkson,  Mo.,  Oct.  28.  '62. 
Clarksville,  Ark.,  Oct.  28,  Nov.  8  and  24, 

'63;  May  18  and  Sept.  28,  '64;  Jan. 

18,  '65. 
Clarksville,  Tenn.,  Aug.  19  and  Sept  7, 

'62. 

Clay  County,  Mo. ,  July  4,  64. 
Claysville,  Ala.,  March  14,    64. 
Clayton,  Ala.,  March  14,    64. 
Clear  Creek,  Ark.,  Aug;  19,  '62;  Feb.  11, 

'65. 
Clear  Creek,  Mo.,  Aug.  2,  '62;  May  16, 

'64. 

Clear  Fork,  Nev.,  Aug.  29,  '65. 
Clear  Lake,  Ark.,  March  11,  '65. 
Clear  Springs,  Md.,  July  29,  '64. 
Clendenin's  raid,  Va.,  May  20  to  28,  '63. 
Cleveland,  Tenn.,  Nov.  27  and  Dec.  22, 

'63;  Apr.  2  and  13  and  Aug.  17,  '64. 
Clinch  Mountain,  Tenn. ,  Dec.  6,  '63. 
Clinton,  Ga.,  Nov.  22,  '64. 
Clinton,  La.,  Dec.  28,  '62;  June  4,  '63; 

May  1,  Aug.  25,  and  Nov.   15,  '64; 

March  — ,  '65. 
Clinton,  Miss.,  July  8  and  16,  Oct.  17, 

'63 ;  Feb.  5,  and  July  4  and  7,  '64. 
Clinton,  Mo.,  July  9,  '62. 


Clinton,  N.  C.,  May  19,  '62. 
Cloutersville,  La.,  April  23  and  24,  '64. 
Clover  Hill,  Va.,  April  8  and  9,  '65. 
Cloyd's  Mountain,  Va.,  May  9  and  10,  '64 
Coahoma  County,  Miss.,  Aug.  2,  '62. 
Cochran's  Crossroads,  Miss.,  Sept.  10,  '62 
Coffeeville,  Miss.,  Dec.  5,  '62. 
Cold  Harbor,  Va.,  June  27,  '62;  May  31 

to  June  12,  '64. 

Cold  Knob  Mountain,  Va.,  Nov.  26,  '62. 
Coldwater,  Miss.,  May  11,  July  24,  Nov. 

8  and  9  and  Sept.  10,  '62;  Feb.  19, 

April  19,  July  28  and  Aug.  21,  '63. 
Coldwater  Creek,  Miss.,  Sept.~8  and  11, 

'62. 

Coldwater  Grove.,  Mo,  Oct.  24,  '64. 
Coldwater,  Tenn.,  April  19,  '63. 
Coldwater  Station,  Miss.,  Nov  29,  '62. 
Coldwater  Station,  Tenn.,  March  17,  '63. 
Cole  Camp,  Mo.,  Oct.  5,  '62;  June  8,  '63 
Cole  County,  Mo.,  Oct.  6,  '64. 
Cole  Creek,  Miss.,  Oct.  4,  '64. 
Coleman's,  Miss.,  March  5,  '64. 
Coleman's  Plantation,  Miss.,  July  4  and 

5,  '64. 

College  Hill,  Miss.,  Aug.  21  and  22,  '64. 
Colliersville,  Miss.,  June  23,  '64. 
Colliers ville,  Tenn.,  Oct.   11,   25,  Nov. 

3,  Dec.  27  and  28,  '63. 
Columbia,  Ark.,  JTine  2,  '64. 
Columbia,  Ky.,  July  3,  '63. 
Columbia,  La.,  Feb.  4  and  June  6,  '64. 
Columbia,  S.  C.,  Feb.  15  to  18,  '65. 
Columbia,  Tenn.,  Sept.  9,  '62;  Nov.  24 

to  29  and  Dec.  19,  '64. 
Columbus,  Ga.,  April  16,  65. 
Columbus,  Mo.,  Jan.  9  and  July  23,  '62. 
Combahee  River,  S.  C.,  Jan.  25,  '65. 
Comfort,  N.  C.,  July  6,  '63. 
Como,  Miss.,  Oct.  7,  '63. 
Como,  Tenn.,  Sept.  19,  '63. 
Concha's  Springs,  N.  Mex.,  June  22,  '63 
Concordia  Bayou,  La. ,  Aug.  5,  '64. 
Conee  Creek,  La.,  Aug  25,  '64. 
Congaree  Creek,  S.  C.,  Feb.  15,  '65. 
Construction  Train,  Tenn.,  Jan  25,  '63. 
Convalescent  Correl,  Miss.,  July  7,   '63. 
Conyersville,  Tenn.,  Sept.  5,  '63. 
Cook's  Canon,  Nev.,  July  24,  '63. 
Coon  Creek,  Mo.,  Aug.  24,  '^62. 
Coosa  Creek,  Ala.,  April  1,  '65. 
Coosa  River,  Ala.,  July  13,  '64. 
Coosa  River,  Ga.,  Oct.  25,  '64. 
Coosaw  River,  S.  C.,  Dec.  4,  '64. 
Corinth,  Miss.,  April  30  to  May  30,  Oct. 

3  and  4,  '62 ;  Aug.  16,  '63 ;  June  10, 

'64. 


IX 


Corydon,  Inch,  July  9,  '63. 
Cottage  Grove,  Tenn.,  March  21,  '63. 
Cotton  Gap,  Ark.,  Sept.  1,  '63. 
Cotton  Hill,  W.  Va.,  Sept.  11,  '62. 
Cotton  Plant,  Ark. ,  July  7,  '62 ;  April  21, 

'64. 

Courtland,  Ala.,  July  25  and  27,  '64. 
Courtland,  Tenu.,  Aug.  22,  '62. 
Courtland  Bridge,  Ala.,  July  25,  '62. 
Courtney's  Plantation,  Miss.,  April  11, 

'63. 

Cove  Creek,  Ark.,  Nov.  18,  '62. 
Cove  Mountain,  Va.,  May  8  and  10,  '64. 
Covington,  Term.,  March  10,  '63. 
Cow  Creek,  Kan.,   Nov.  14  to  28,  '64; 

June  12,  '65. 

Gowskiu  Creek,  Mo.,  Aug.  5  and  7,  '64. 
Coxe's  Bridge,  N.  C.,  March  24,  '65. 
Coyle  Tavern,  Va. ,  Aug.  24,  '63. 
Crab  Orchard,  Ky.,  Aug.  22,  '62. 
Craig's  Meeting  House,  Va.,  May  5,  '64. 
Crampton's  Ferry,  Mo.,  Aug.  11,  '62. 
Crampton's  Gap,  Md.,  Sept.  14,  '62. 
Crane  Creek,  Mo.,  Oct.  29  and  30,  '64. 
Crawford  County,  Ark.,  Aug.  11,  '64. 
Crawford  County,  Mo.,  Nov.  25,  '02. 
Creek  Agency,  I.  T.,  Oct.  15  and  25,   63. 
Creelborough,  Ky.,  Dec.  7,  '63. 
Crew's  Farm,  Va.,  July  1,  '62. 
Cripple  Creek,  Tenn.,  May  16,  '63. 
Crooked  Creek,  Mo.,  Aug.  24,  '62. 
Crooked  River,  Ore.,  May  18,  '64. 
Crooked  Run.,  Va.,  Aug.  16,  '64. 
Crooked  Bayou,  La.,  Sept.  14,  '63. 
Cross  Hollow,  Ark.,  Oct.  18  and  28,  '62. 
Cross  Keys,  Va.,  June  8,  '62. 
Cross  Lanes,  W.  Va.,  Aug.  26,    61. 
Cross  Timbers,  Mo.,  July  28,  '62;  Oct. 

16,  '63. 

Croton  Springs,  A.  T.,  July  14,  '65. 
Crump's  Hill,  La.,  April  2,  '64- 
Crump's  Landing.  Term.,  April  4.  '62. 
Culpeper,   Va.,     Sept.   13  and  Oct.     12 

and  13,  '63. 

Gulp's  House,  Ga.,  June  22,  '64. 
Cumberland,  Md.,  Aug.  1,    64. 
Cumberland  Gap,  Tenn.,  June  18,  '62; 

and  Sept.  9,   '63;  Jan.  29  and  Feb. 

22,   64. 
Cumberland  Iron-Works,    Tenn.,    Aug. 

26,  '62 ;  Feb.  3,  '63. 
Cumberland  Mountain,  Tenu.,  April  28, 

'62. 

Cuyler's  Plantation,  Ga.,  Dec.  9,  '64. 
Cynthiana,  Ky.,  July  17,   '62;  June  10 

and  11,  '64. 
Cypress  Bridge,  Ky.,  Nov.  17,  '61. 


Dabney's  Mills,  Va.,  Feb.  5  to  7,  '65. 

Dallas,  Ark.,  Jan.  28,  '64. 

Dallas,  Ga.,  May  25  to  June  5,  '64. 

Dallas,  Mo.,  Sept.  2,  '61;  Aug.  24,  '62. 

Dallas  County,  Mo.,  Sept.  18,  '64. 

Dallas,  N.  C.,  April  19,  '65. 

Dalton,  Ga.,  May  9,  Aug.   14  to  16,  and 

Oct.  13,  '64. 

Dam  No.  4,  Potomac,  Va.,  Dec.  11,  '61. 
Dandridge,  Tenn.,  Jan.  16  and  17,   '64. 
Danville,  Ark.,  March  28,  '64. 
Danville,  Ky.,  Aug.  26,  '62; Mar.  24,  '63. 
Danville,  Miss.,  June  6,  '64. 
Darbytown  Road,    Va.,  Oct.  7  and  13, 

'64. 
Dardanelle,  Ark.,  Sept.  9  and  12,   '63; 

May  10  and  Nov.  29,   '64;  Jan.  14, 

'65. 

Darksville,  Va.,  July  19  and  Sept.  3,  '64. 
Darnestown,  Va.,  Sept.  15,  '61. 
Davis  Bend,  La.,  June  2  and  29,  '64. 
Davis's  Crossroads,  Ga..,  Sept.  11,  '63. 
Davis's  Mills,  Miss.,  Dec.  21,  '62;  March 

14,  'b3. 

Day's  Gap,  Ala.,  April  30,  '63. 
Dayton,  Ark.,  Dee.  23,  '61. 
Dayton,  Mo.,  April  27,  '64. 
Dead  Buffalo  Lake,  D.  T.,  July  26,  '63. 
Deatonsville,  Va.,  April  6,  '65. 
Decatur,  Ala.,  Mar.  7,  Apr.  17,   May  26 

and  27,  Aug.  18,  Oct.  26  to  29,  Dec. 

27  and  28,  '64. 

Decatur,  Ga. ,  July  22  and  Aug.  5,  '64. 
Decatur,  Miss.,  Feb.  12,  '64. 
Decatur,  Tenn.,  Aug.  18,  '64. 
Deep  Bottom,  Va.,  July  21,  27  and  28, 

Aug.   14  to  19,  Sept.  2  and  6,  and 

Oct.  1  and  31,  '64. 
Deep  Creek,  N.  C.,  Feb.  5,  '64. 
Deep  River  Bridge,  N.  C.,  April  4,  '65. 
Deep  Water  Creek,  Mo.,  Oct.  15,  '63. 
Deer  Creek,  Miss.,  Feb.  23,  March  21, 

April  8  and  12,  '63. 
Deer  Creek,  D.  T.,  May  21,  '65. 
Denver,  Kan.,  Sept.  7,  '64. 
Des  Allemands,  La.,  Sept.  9,  '62. 
Des  Ares,  Ark.,  Jan.   16,    '63;   July   26 

and  Dec.  6,  "64. 

Deserted  House,  Va.,  Jan.  30,  '63. 
Devaux  Neck,  S.  C.,  Dec.  6  to  9,  '64. 
Devil's  Back-bone,  Ark.,  Sept.  1,    63. 
Diamond   Grove,    Mo.,    April    14,    '62; 

June  3,  Aug.  21,  '64. 
Dickson  Station,  Ala.,  April  19  and  23, 

and  Oct.  20,  '63. 
Dinwiddie  C.  H.,  Va.,  March  31    '65. 


Ditch  Bayou,  La.,  June  6,  '64. 
.Dobbin's  Ferry,  Tenn.,  Dec.  9,  '62. 
Donaldsonville,  La.,  June  28  and  July 

13,  '63;  Feb   8  and  Aug.  5,  '64. 
Doniphan,  Mo.,  Sept.  17  to  20,  '64. 
Doubtful  Canon,  A.  T.,  May  4,  '64. 
Douglas  Landing,  Ark.,  Feb.  22,  '65. 
Dover,  Mo.,  Oct.  20,  '64. 
Dover,  Tenn.,  Feb.  14  to  16,  '62. 
Dover  Road,  N.  C.,  April  28,  '63. 
Downer's  Bridge,  Va.,  May  20,  '64. 
Drainesville,  Va.,  Nov.  26  and  Dec.  20, 

'61 ;  Feb.  22,  '64. 
Draft  Eiots,  N.  Y.  City,  July  13  to  15. 

'63. 

Dresden,  Ky.,  May  5,  '62. 
Dresden,  Tenn.,  May  5,  '62. 
Dripping  Springs,  Ark.,  Dec.  28  and  29, 

'62. 

Droop  Mountain,  Va.,  Nov.  6,  '63. 
Drury's  Bluff,  Va.,  May  10  to  16  and  20, 

'64. 

Dry  Creek,  Va.,  Aug.  29,  '63. 
Dry  Fork  Creek,  Mo.,  July  5,  '61. 
Dry  Forks,  Mo.,  July  5,  '61. 
Dry  Forks,  W.  Va.,  Jan.  8,  '62. 
Dry  Wood,  Mo.,  Sept.  2,  '61;  Nov.  9  '62; 

Oct.  29,  '64. 

Duck  Creek,  S.  C.,  Feb.  — ,  '65. 
Duck  River  Island,  Tenn.,  April  26,  '63. 
Dug  Gap,  Ga.,  Sept.  11,  '63;  May  6,  '64. 
Dug  Springs,  Mo.,  Aug.  2,   61. 
Dukedom,  Ky.,  Feb.  28,  '64. 
Dumfries,  Va.,  Dec.  27,  '62. 
Dunbar's  Plantation,  La.,  April  15,  '63. 
Dunksburg,  Mo.,  Dec.  4,  '61. 
Dunn's  Bayou,  La.,  May  5,  '64. 
Dunn's  Lake,  Fla.,  Feb.  5,  '65. 
Durham ville,  Tenn.,  Sept.  17,  '62. 
Dutch  Gap,  Va.,  Aug.  5,  '63;  Aug.  24, 

Sept.  7  and  Nov.  17,  '64. 
Dutch  Mills,  Ark.,  April  14,  '64. 
Duttons  Hill,  Ky.,  March  30,  '63. 
Duvall's  Bluff,  Ark.,  Jan.  16  and  Dec. 

12,  '63;  Aug.  21  and  Sept.  6,  '64. 
Duvall's  Mills,  Va.,  Dec.  1,  '64. 
Dyersburg,  Tenn.,  Jan.  30,  '63. 

E 

Eagleville,  Tenn.,  March  2,  '63. 
East  Pascagoula,  Miss. ,  April  9,  '63. 
East  Point,  Ga.,  Sept.  5,  '64. 
East  Point,  Miss.,  Oct.  10,  '64. 
Eastport,  Miss,  Oct.  10  and  Nov.  11,  '64. 
Ebenezer  Creek,  Ga.,  Dec.  7,  '64. 
Ebenezer  Church,  Ala.,  April  1,  '65. 
.Eden  Station,  Ga.,  Dec.  7  to  9,  '64. 


Edgefield  Junction,  Tenn.,  Aug.  20,  '62. 
Edisto  Island,  S.  C.,  April  18,  '02. 
Edward's  Ferry,  Md.,  July  — ,  '61. 
Edward's  Ferry,  Va.,  June  .17  and  Oct. 

21,  '61. 

Edward's  Station,  Miss.,  May  16,  '63. 
Eel  River,  Cal.,  May  3,  '63. 
Egypt  Station,  Miss".,  Dec.  28,  '64. 
Elizabeth  City,  N.  C.,  Feb.  10,  '62. 
Elizabethtown,  Ark.,  Oct.  1,  '63. 
Elizabethtown,  Ky.,  Dec.  27,  '62;  Dec. 

16  and  24,  '64. 

Eliott's  Mills,  Mo.,  Sept.  22,  '61. 
Elk  Creek,  Nev.,  Aug.  15,  '64. 
Elk  Fork,  Ky.,  Dec.  28,  '62. 
Elkhorn  Tavern,  Ark.,  Mar.  8,  Oct.  16, 

'62. 

Elkin's  Ford,  Ark.,  April  4  to  6,  '64. 
Elk  River,  Term.,  July  2  and  14,  '63. 
Elk  Shute,  Mo.,  Aug.  3  and  4.  '64. 
Elkton,  Ky.,  Dec.  12,  '64. 
Elkton  Station,  Ala.,  May  9,  '62. 
Elkwater,  W.  Vn.,  Sept.  11,  '61. 
Ellison's  Mills,  Va.,  June  26,  '62. 
Elhstown,  Miss.,  July  16  and  21,  '64. 
Eminence,  Mo.,  June  17,  '62. 
Enterprise,  Mo.,  Aug.  7,  '64. 
Eudoro  Church,  Ark.,  May  9,  '64. 
Evlington  Heights,  Va.,  July  3,  '62. 
Ezra  Chapel,  Ga.,  July  28,   64. 

Fairburn,  Ga.,  Aug.  18,  '64. 

Fairfax,  Va.,  July  13,  '62;  June  27,  '63. 

Fairfax  C.  H.,  Va.,  June  1,  '61,  March 

8,  '63. 

Fairfax  Station,  Va.,  Sept.  17,  '64. 
Fairrield,  Pa.,  July  3  and  5,  '63. 
Fairneld,  Tenn.,  June  29,  '63. 
Fair  Gardens,  Tenu.,  Jan.  27  and  28,  '64. 
Fail-mount,  W.  Va.,  April  29,  '63. 
Fair  Oaks,  Va.,  May  31  and  June  1,  '62; 

Oct.  27  and  28,  '64. 
Falling  Waters,  Md.,  July  2,  '61;  July 

14,  '63. 

Fall  of  Petersburg,  Va.,  April  2,  '65. 
Falmouth,  Va.,  April  18,  '62. 
Farmington,  Miss.,  May  3,  9,  26,  28,  '62. 
Farm  ville,  Va.,  April  7,    65. 
Farr's  Mills,  Ark.,  July  14,  '64. 
Fayette,  Miss.,  Nov.  22  and  Dec.  22,  '63; 

Oct.  3,  '64. 
Fayette,  Mo.,  Oct.  7,  '62;  July  1,  Sept. 

24  and  Nov.  18,  '64. 
Fayetteville,  Ark.,  July  15,  Oct.  24,  27 

and  28  and  Dec.  7,  '62 ;  April  18,  '63 ; 

May  19,  June  24,  Aug.  28  and  Oct. 

28,  '64. 


XI 


Fayetteville,  N.  C.,  March  13,  '65. 
Fayetteville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  1,  '63. 
Fayetteville,  W.  Va.,  Sept.  10  aud  Nov. 

15,  '62;  May  17  to  20,  '63. 
Federal  Point,  N.  C.,  Feb.  11,  '65. 
Ferry's  Landing,  Ark.,  Sept.  7,  '63. 
Fiker's  Ferry,  Ala.,  April  8,  '65. 
Fillmore,  Va.,  Oct.  4,  '64. 
Fish  Bayou,  La.,  June  5,  '64. 
Fish  Creek,  Nev.,  Jan.  22,  '66. 
Fisher's  Hill,  Va.,  Aug.  15,  Sept.  22  and 

Oct.  9,  '64. 
Fishing  Creek,  Ky.,  Jan.  19  and  20,  '62; 

May  25,  '63. 

Fish  Springs,  Tenn.,  Jan.  23,  '63. 
Fitzhugh's  Crossing,  Va.,  April  29  and 

30,  '63. 

Fitzhugh's  Woods,  Ark.,  April  1,  '64. 
Five  Forks,  Va.,  April  1,  '65. 
Five-Mile  Creek,  Ala.,  March  31,  '65. 
Five  Points,  Va.,  Jan.  1,  '64. 
Flat-Lick  Fords,  Ky.,  Feb.  14,  '62. 
Flat  Shoals,  Ga.,  July  28,  '64. 
Flint  Creek,  Ark.,  March  6,  '64. 
Flint  Kiver,  Ga.,  Sept.  1,  '64. 
Flock's  Mills,  Md.,  August  1,  '64. 
Florence,  Ala.,    May   27,   '63;  Jan.  26, 

April  13  and  Oct.  6,  '64. 
Florence,  Ky.,  Sept.  17,  '62. 
Florence,  Mo.,  July  10,  '63. 
Florence,  S.  C.,  March  3,  '65. 
Florida,  Mo.,  May  22  and  July  22,  '62. 
Flowing  Springs,  Va.,  Aug.  21,  '64. 
Floyd,  La. ,  July  — ,  '64. 
Floyd's  Fork,  Ky.,  Oct.  1,  '62. 
Forsyth,  Mo.,  July  22,  '61;  Aug.  2,  '62. 
Fort  Abercrornbie,  D.  T.,  Sept.  3,  6,  23, 

and  25,  '62. 

Fort  Adams,  La.,  Oct.  7,  '64. 
Fort  Anderson,  Ky.,  March  25,  '64. 
Fort  Anderson,  N.  C.,  Feb.  18,  '65. 
Fort  Bisland,  La. ,  April  12,  '63. 
Fort  Blair,  Ark.,  Oct.  6,  '63. 
FortBlakely,  Ala.,  Mar.  31  to  Apr.  9, '65. 
Fort  Blunt,  I.  T.,  March  27  to  June  19, 

'63. 

Fort  Brady,  Va.,  Jan.  24,  '65. 
Fort  Brown  Boad,  Tex.,  Dec.  14,  '62. 
Fort  Burnham,  Va.,   Dec.  10,   '64;  Jan. 

24,  '65. 

Fort  Cobb,  I.  T.,  Oct.  21,  '62. 
Fort  Cottonwood,  N.  T.,    Aug.   28  and 

Sept.  18,  '64. 
Fort  Craig,  N.  Mex.,  Aug.  23  and  Sept. 

6,  '61;  Feb.  20  and  May  23,  '62. 
Fort  Darling.  Va.,  May  12  to  16,  '64. 
Fort  Davidson,  Mo., Sept.  26  and  27,  '64. 


Fort  De  Kussy,  La.,  March  14,  '61. 
Fort  Donelsou,    Tenn.,    Feb.    13  to  16, 
and  Aug.  25,   '.62,  Feb.  3,  '63,    Oct. 

11,  '64. 

Fort  Esperanza,    Texas,    Nov.    30,    '62, 

Nov.  27  to  29,  '63. 
Fort  Fillmore,  N.    Mex.,    July   27,    '61, 

Aug.  7,  '62. 
Fort  Fisher,    N.  C.,    Dec.  25,    '64,   Jan. 

13  to  15,  '65. 

Fort  Gaines,  Ala.,  Aug.  2  to  23,  '64. 
Fort  Gibson,  I.  T.,    Oct.  15,    '62,    Feb. 

28,  May  20  and  25,   Dec.   26,   '63. 

Sept.  16  and  18,  '64,  Sept,  — ,    '65. 
Fort  Grant,  A.  T.,  Jan.  21,  '66. 
Fort  Halleck,  D.  T.,  Feb.  20,    '63,  July 

4,  '65. 

Fort  Hatteras,  N.  C.,  Aug.  28,  29,  '61. 
Fort  Hell,  Va. ,  Sept.  28,  Nov.  5,  '64. 
Fort  Henry,  Tenn. ,  Feb.  6,  '62. 
Fort  Hill,  Miss.,  June  25  and  28,  '63. 
FortHindman,  Ark.,  Jan.  11,  '63. 
Fort  Johnson,  S.  C.,   June  16,  '62,  July 

2,  '64. 

Fort  Jones,  Ky.,  Feb.  18,  '65. 
Fort  Kelly,  \V.  Va.,  Nov.  28,  '64. 
Fort  Lamed,  Kans.,   May  22,  '65. 
Fort  Leavenworth,  Kans.,  Oct.  20  to  26, 

'64. 

Fort  Lyons,  I.  T.,  Dec.  9,  '64. 
Fort  Lyons,  Va. ,  June  9,   63. 
Fort  Macon,  N.  C.,  April  25,  '62. 
Fort  McAllister,  Ga.,  Dec.  13,  '64. 
Fort  McCook,  Ala.,  Aug.  27,  '62. 
Fort  Morgan,  Ala.,  Aug.  5  to  23,  '64. 
Fort  Meyers,  Fla.,  Feb.  20,  '65. 
Fort  Pemberton,    Miss.,     March    13    to> 

April  5,  '63. 
Fort  Pillow,  Tenn.,  March  16  and  Apr. 

12,  '64. 

Fort  Pocahontas,  Va.,  Aug.  — ,  '64. 

Fort  Pulaski,  Ga.,  April  10,  '62. 

Fort  Eice,  D.  T.,  Sept.  27,  '64,  July  28 

and  30,  '65. 

Fort  Eidgely,  Minn.,  Aug.  20 and  22,  '62. 
Fort  Sanders,  Tenn.,  Nov.  29,  '63. 
Fort  Scott,    Kans.,   Sept.    1   and  3,  '61. 

Oct.  22  and  28,  '64. 
Fort  Scott,  Mo.,  Sept.  2,  '61. 
Fort  Sedgwick,  Va.,  Sept  28,  Nov.  5,  '64 
Fort  Smith,  Ark.,  May  15,  Aug.  31  and 

Sept.  1,  '63,    July  29  and  31,   Aug. 

24  and  27,  Sept.  1  and  11,  and  Dec. 

24,  '64. 

Fort  Steadman,  Va.,  March  25,  '65. 
Fort  Stevens,  D.  C.,  July  12,  '64. 
Fort  Sunmer,  N.  Mex.,  Jan.  4,  '64. 


Xll 


Fort  Sumter,  S.  C.,  April  12  and  13,  '61- 
Fort  Taylor,  Fla.,  Aug.  21,  '64. 
Fort  Taylor,  Ga.,  April  16,  '65. 
Fort  Wagner,  S.  C.,'July  10  to  Sept.  6, 

'63. 

Forty  Hills,  Miss.,  May  3,  '63. 
Foster's  Bridge,  N.  C.,  Dec.  10,  '64. 
Foster's  expedition  to  Goldsborough,  N. 

C.,  Dec.  12  to  18,  '62. 
Fouch  La Faix Mountain,  Ark.,  Nov.  11, 

'63. 

Fourteen-Mile  Creek,  I.  T.,  Oct.  30,  '63. 
Fourteen-Mile   Creek,  Miss.,    May    12, 

'63. 

Fox  Creek,  Mo.,  March  7,  '62. 
Frankfort,  Ky.,  June  10,  '64. 
Frankfort,  Va.,  Nov.  26,  '62. 
Franklin,  La.,  May.  25,  '63. 
Franklin,  Miss.,  Jan.  2,  '65. 
Franklin,  Mo.,  Oct.  13,  '62;  Oct.  1,  '64. 
Franklin,  Tenn.,  Dec.   12,   '62;  Feb.   1, 

March  9  and  25,  April   10  and  27, 

June  4,  '63;  Sept.  2  and  Nov.  30, 

and  Dec.  17,  '64. 

Franklin,  Va.,  Oct.  31  and  Dec.  2,  '62. 
Franklin  Creek,  Miss.,  Dec.  18,  '64. 
Franklin's  Crossing,  Va.,  June  5.  '63. 
Frazier's  Farm,  Va.,  June  30,  '62. 
Frederick,  Md.,  Sept.  12,  '62. 
Fredericksburgh,  Mo.,  July  17,  '64. 
Fredericksburgh,  Va.,  Nov.  9  and  Dec. 

11  to  16,  '62. 
Fredericksburgh  Road,  Va.,  May  16  to 

20,  '64, 

Fredericktown,  Mo.,  Oct.  17  to  21,  '61. 
Freeman's  Ford,  Va.,  Aug.  24,  '62. 
Fremont's  Orchard,  Col.,  April  12,   '64. 
French  Broad,  Tenn.,  Jan.  27,  '64. 
French  Point,  Mo.,  May  15,  '63. 
Frog  Bayou,  Ark.,  July  1,  '64. 
Froiit  Royal,  Va.,  May  23,  30,  '62. 
Front  Royal  Pike,  Va.,  Sept.  21,  '64. 
Frying  Pan,  Va.,  June  4,  '63. 
Fulton,  Ga.,  Oct.  13,  '64. 
Fulton,  Mo.,  July  17,  '61. 
Punkstown,  Md.,  July  12  and  13,  '63. 

G 
Gainesville,  Fla.,  Feb.  14  and  Aug.  17, 

'64. 

Gainesville,  Va.,  Aug.  28,  '62. 
Gaine's  Mill,  Va.,  June  27,  '62;  June  2, 

64. 

Gallatin,  Tenn.,  Aug.  12,  Oct.  1,  '62. 
Galveston,  Texas,  Jan.  1,  '63. 
Garrettsburgh,  Ky.,  Nov.  6,  '62. 
Gaucha  Mountain,  Cal.,  July  22,  '65. 
Gauley's  Bridge,  W.  Va.,  Nov.  10,  '61. 


Geiger  Lake,  Ky.,  Sept.  3,  '62, 
Georgia  Landing,  La.,  Oct.  27,  '62. 
Germantown,  Tenn.,  June  25,  '62;  Jan. 

27  and  April  1,  '63. 

Gettysburgh,  Pa.,  July  1,  2  and  3,  '63. 
Ghent,  Ky.,  Aug.  29,  '64. 
Gila  River,  N.  Mex.,  Nov.  5,  '63. 
Glade  Springs,  Va.,  Dec.  15,  '64. 
Gladesville,  Va.,  Oct.  2,  '64. 
Glasgow,  Ky.,  Oct  5  and  Dec.  24,   '62; 

Oct.  5,  '68;  Oct.  15,  '64;  March  25, 

'65. 

Glasgow,  Mo.,  Oct.  15,  '64. 
Glass  Bridge,  Tenn.,  Sept.  2,  '64. 
Glendale,  Ala.,  Feb.   22,  '63. 
Glendale,  Miss.,  May  8,  62 ;  Apr.  14,  '63. 
Glendale,  Va.  June  30,  '62. 
Glorietta,  N.  Mex.  Mar.  26  to  28,  '62. 
Gloucester,  Va.,  Nov.  17,  '62. 
Gloucester  Point,  Va.,  Feb.  10,  '63. 
Golding's  Farm,  Va.,  June  27,  '62. 
Goldsborough,  N.  C.,  Dec.  17,  '62;  Mar. 

21  to  24,  '65. 

Golgotha,  Ga.,  June  16,  '64 
Goodrich's  Landing,  La., June  30,  '63; 

Mar.  24  and  July  16,  '64. 
Good's  Landing,  Miss.,  Dec.  16  to  25,  '64 
Goose  Creek,  Va..  Oct.  22,   61;  Sept.  17, 

'62. 

Gov.  Moore's  Plantation,  La.,  May  2,  (64 
Graf  ton,  W.  Va.,  Aug.  13,  '61. 
Grahamsville,  S.  C.,  Nov.  30,  .'64. 
Granby,  Mo.,  Sept.  24,  '62. 
Grand'Coteau,  La.,  Nov.  3,  '63. 
Grand  Ecore,  La.,  April  3,  '64. 
Grand  Gulf,  Miss.,  April  29,  '63;  Jan. 

16  to  18,  July  16  and  17,  '64. 
Grand  Haze,  Ark.,  July  4,  '62. 
Grand  Lake,  Ark.,  June  16,  '63. 
Grand  Pass,  I.  T.,  July  7,  '63. 
Grand  Prairie,  Ark. ,  July6,  '62. 
Grand  Prairie,  Mo.,  Oct.  24,  '62. 
Grand  River,  Mo.,  Nov.  30,   '61;  Aug. 

10  to  13,  '62. 

Grant's  Creek,  N.  C.,  April  12,  '64. 
Grassy  Lick,  Va.,  May  9  and  10,  '65 
Gravel  Hill,  Va.,  Aug.  14,  '64. 
Gravelly  Run,  Va.,  March  31,  '65. 
Graysville,  Ga.,  Sept.  10,  '63. 
Greasy  Creek,  Ky.,  May  11,  '63. 
Great  Bear  Creek,  Ala.,  April  17,  '63. 
Great  Bethel,  Va.,  June  10,   '61;  April 

4,  '62. 

Great  Cacapon  Bridge,  Va.,  Jan.  4,  '62. 
Great  Falls,  Va.,  July  7,  '61. 
Greenbrier,  W.  Va.,  Oct.  3,  '61. 
Greencastle,  Pa.,  June  20,  '63. 


Xlll 


Greenleaf  Prairie,   I.    T.  June    16   and 

Nov.  12,  '63. 

Greenland  Gap,  W.  Va.,  April  25,  '63. 
Greenland  Gap  Road,  W.  Va.,  June  6, 

'64. 

Green  River  Bridge,  Ky.,  July  4,  '63. 
Green's  Chapel,  Ky.,  Dec.  25,  '62. 
Green  Springs  Depot,  W.  Va.,  Aug.  2,  64 
Greenville,  Miss.,  May  20  and  27,  '64. 
Greenville,  Mo.,  July  26,  '62. 
Greenville,  N.  C.,  Nov.  25  and  Dec.  30, 

'63 
Greenville,  Tenn.,  Sept.  4  and  Oct.   12, 

'64 

Greenville  Road,  Ky.,  Nov.  5,  '62. 
Greenville  Road,  N.  C.,  May  31,  '62. 
Greenville  Springs  Road,  La.,  Sept.  19 

and  Oct.  5,  '63. 
Greenwich,  Va.,  May  30,  '63. 
Gregory's  Farm,  S.  C.,  Dec.  5,  9,  '61. 
Grenada,  Miss. ,  Aug.  13,  '63. 
Greysville,  Ga.,  Nov.  27,    63. 
Griswoldville,  Ga.,  Nov.  22,  '64. 
Grosse  Tete  Bayou,  La.,    Feb.   19   and 

Mar.  30,  '64. 
Ground   Squirrel   Church   and  Bridge, 

Va.,  May  10,  '64. 
Grouse  Creek,  Cal.,  May  23,  '64. 
Groveton,  Va.,  Aug.  29,  '62. 
Gum  Slough,  Ark.,  Mar.  16,  '63. 
Gum  Swamp,  N.  C.,  May  22,  '63. 
Gunter's  Bridge,  S.  C.,  Feb.  14,  '65. 
Guntown,  Miss.,  May  4,  '63;  June  10.  '64. 
Guyandotte,  W.  Va.,  Nov.  10,  '61. 
Guy's  Gap,  Tenn.,  June  27,  '63. 

H 

Hagar's  Mountain,  Md.,  July  7,  '64. 
Hagarstown,  Md.,  July  6,  and  11,   '63; 

July  5,  '64. 

Haguewood Prairie,  Tenn.,  Sept.  26,  '63. 
Half -Moon  Battery,  N.  C.,  Jan.  19,  '65. 
Half  Mount,  Ky.,  April  14,  '64. 
Hall  Island,  S.  C.,  Nov.  24,  '63. 
Hall's  Ferry,  Miss. ,  May  13,  '63. 
Halltown,  Va.,  July  15,  '63;  Aug.  24  to 

27,  '64. 

Hamburg,  Tenn. ,  May  30,  '63. 
Hamburg  Landing,  Ala.,  May  29,  '63. 
Hamilton,  N.  C.  July  9,  '62. 
Hamilton,  Va.,  Mar.  21,  '65. 
Hammack's  Mills,  W.  Va.,  July  3,  '64. 
Hampton,  Va.,  Aug.  7,  '61. 
Hampton  Roads,  Va.,  Mar.  9,  '62. 
Hancock,  Va.,  Jan.  4,  '62. 
Hanging  Rock,  W.  Va.,  Sept.  23,  '61. 
Haukinsou's  Ferry,  Miss.,  May  3,  '63. 


Hanover,  Pa.,  June  30,  '63. 

Hanover  C.   H.  Va.,  May  27,  '62;  May 

29  to  31,  '64. 

Hanoverton.  Va.,  May  27  to  31,  '64. 
Hardy  County,  W.  Va.  Jan.  5,  '63. 
Harney  Lake  Valley,  Or. ,  April  7,  '64 ; 

Sept.  23,   65. 

Harper's  Farm,  Va.,  April  6,  '65. 
Harper's  Ferry,  Va.,  April  18,  and  Oct. 

11,  '61 ;  May  28,  Sept.  12  to  15,  '62 : 

Oct.  5,  '63. 

Harper's  Ferry  Bridge,  Va. ,  July  7,  '63. 
Harpeth  River,  Tenn.,  Mar.   2  and   4, 

Apr.  10,  '63. 

Harrison,  Mo.,  Sept.  27  and  30,  '64. 
Harrisonburg,  Va.,  June  6,  '62. 
Harrison's  Field,  Ga.,  Dec.  9,  '64. 
Harrison's  Island,  Va.,  Oct.  21,  '61. 
Harrison ville,  Mo.,  July  18,  25,  and  26, 

'61;  Nov.  3,  '62. 

Harrisonville,  Mo.,  Oct.  24,  '63. 
Harrodsburg,  Ky.,  Oct.  10,  '62;  Oct.  21, 

'64. 

Hartsville,  Mo. ,  Jan.  11  and  May  23,  '63. 
Hartsville,  Tenn.,  Dec.  7,  '62. 
Hartwood  Church,  Va.,  Nov.    28,    '62; 

Feb.  25,   63. 
Hatcher's  Run,  Va.,  Oct.  27  and  28,  '64; 

Feb.  5  to  7,  '65. 
Hatchie,  Miss.,  Oct.  5,  '62. 
Hatchie  River,  Miss.,  Aug.  10,  '64. 
Hawe's  Shop,  Va.,  May  28,  June  2,  '64. 
Hawk's  Nest,  W.  Va.,  Aug.  20,  61. 
Haxal's,  Va.,  July  3,  '62. 
Haymarket,  Va.,  Oct.  18,  '62; Oct.  19,  '63 
Hayne's  Bluff,  Miss.,  April  29  to  May  2, 

'63 ;  Feb.  3  and  April—,  '64. 
Haynesville,  Md.,  July  2,  '61. 
Hazel  Bottom,  Mo.,  Oct.  14,  '62. 
Hedgeville,  Va.,  Oct.  22,  '62; Oct.  15,  '63. 
Helena,  Ark.,  Augll  to  14,  Sept.  20,  Oct. 

11,   and  18,   Dec.  5,    '62 ;  May  25, 

Jan.  15,  July  4,  '63;  Aug.  2,  '64. 
Henderson,  Ky.,  July  21,  Sept  25,    64. 
Henderson  Hills,  La.,  Mar.  21,  '64. 
Henderson  Mill,  Tenn.,  Oct.  11,  '63. 
Hendrick's,  Miss.,  Sept.  15,  '63. 
Henrytown,  Mo.,  Oct.  13,  '61. 
i  Hermitage,  Mo.,  Nov.  2,  '64. 
Hernando,  Miss.,  April  18,  May  28,  and 

June  20,  '63. 

Hiampom  Valley,  Cal.,  Oct.  10,  '63. 
Hickory  Grove,  Mo.,  Aug.  23,  and  Sept. 

19,  '62. 

Hickory  Hills,  S.  C.,  Feb.  1,  '65. 
Hicksford,  Va.,  Dec.  9,  '64. 
High  Bridge,  Va.,  April  6,  '65. 


XIV 


Hillsborough,  Ala.,  April  17,  '63. 
Hillsboro'  Ga.,  July  31,  '64. 
Hillsboro'  Ky.,  Oct.  8,  '61. 
Hillsborough,  Miss.,  Feb.  10,  '64. 
Hill's  Plantation,  Ark.,  July  7,  '62. 
Hill's  Plantation,  Miss.,  June  22,  '63. 
Hodgeville,  Ky.,  Oct.  23,  '61. 
Holland  House,  Va.,  May  15,  16,  '63. 
Hollow  Tree  Gap,  Tenn.,  Dec.  17,  '64. 
Holly  River,  W.  Va.,  April  17,  '62. 
Holly  Springs,  Miss.,  Nov.  12,  and  28, 

Dec.  20,  '62 ;  April  17,  '63 ;  May  24, 

Aug.  1,  8,  27,  and  28,  '64. 
Holston  River,    Tenn.,    Nov.    15,    '63; 

Feb.  20,  '64. 

Honey  Hill,  S.  C.,  Nov.  30,  '64. 
Honey  Springs,  Kan.  July  17,  and  Aug. 

22,  '63. 

Hoover's  Gap,  Tenn'.,  June  24,  '63. 
Hopkinsville,  Ky.,  Nov.  6,  '62;  Dec.  12 

and  16,  '64. 

Hornersville,  Mo.,  Sept.  20,  '63. 
Hornsboro'  S.  C.,  Mar.  3,  '65. 
Horse  Creek,  D.  T.,  June  14,  65. 
Horse  Creek,  Mo.,  Sept.  17,  '63. 
Horse-Head  Creek,  Ark.,  Feb.  17,  '64. 
Horse-Shoe  Bend,  Ky.,  May  11,  '63. 
Horton's  Mills,  N.  C.,  April  27,  '62. 
Hot  Springs,  Ark.,  Feb.  4,  '64. 
Howard  County,  Mo.,  Aug.  28,  '62 ;  Aug, 

28,  '64. 

Howell's  Ferry,  Ga.,  July  1,  '64. 
Howe's  Ford,  Ky.,  April  28,  '63. 
Hudnot's  Plantation,  La.,  May  1,  '64. 
Hudson,  Mo.,  Dec.  21,  '61. 
Hudsonville,  Miss.,  Nov.  8,  '62. 
Huff's  Ferry,  Tenn.,  Nov.  14,  '63. 
Humansville,  Mo.,  Mar.  26,  Aug.  12,  '62; 

Oct.  16,  and  17,  '63. 
Humboldt,  Tenn.,  Dec.  20,  '62. 
Hunnewell,  Mo.,  Jan.  3,  '62. 
Hunter's  Mills,  Va.,  Nov.  26,  '61. 
Huntersville,  Va.,  Jan.  4,  '61J. 
Huntsville,  Ala.,  April  11,  '62 ;  Oct.  1,  '64 
Huntsville.  Mo.,  Nov.  9,  '62 
Huntsville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  11,  '62. 
Hurricane  Bridge,  W.  Va.,  Mar.  28,  '63. 
Hurricane  Creek,  Ark.,  Oct.  23,  '64. 
Hurricane  Creek,   Miss.,  Aug.   14,    16, 

and  22,  Oct.  23,  '64. 
Hutchinson,  Minn.,  Sept.  3  and  4,  'G2. 

I 

Illinois  Creek,  Ark.,  Dec.  7,  '62. 

Independence,  Mo.,  June  17,  and  Nov. 
26,  '61. ;  Feb.  18,  Mar.  22,  Aug.  11, 
'62 ;  Feb.  3  and  8,  Mar.  23,  April  23, 


24,  '63;  Feb.  19,  Oct.  22,  26,  '64. 
Indian  Bay,  Ark.,  Feb.  16,  Apr.  13,  '64. 
Indian  City  Village,  La.,  Aug.  6,  '64. 
Indiantown,  N.  C.,  Dec.  18,  '63. 
Indian  Village,  D.  T.,  Mar.  27,  '63. 
Indian  Village,  La.,  Jan.  27,  '63. 
Ingham's  Mills,  Miss.,  Oct.  12,  '63. 
Ingraham's Plantation,  Miss.,  Oct.  10,  63 
Irish  Bend,  La.,  April  12  to  14,  '63. 
Iron  Bridge,  I.  T.,  June  19,  '64. 
Iron  County,  Mo.,  Sept.  11,  '62. 
Ironton,  Mo.,  Sept.  26  and  27,  '64. 
Irvine,  Ky.,  July  30,  '63. 
Irwinsville,  Ga.,  May  10,  65. 
Island  Mound,  Mo. /Oct.  27,  29,  '62. 
Island  No.  76,  Miss.,  Jan.  20,  '64. 
Island  No.  10,  Teun.,  April  8,  and  Oct. 

17,  '62 ;  Oct.  16,  '63. 
Isle  of  Wight  C.  H.,  Va.,  Dec.  22,  '62. 
Issequena  County,  Miss.,  July  10  and 

Aug.  17,  '64. 
luka,  Miss.,  Sept.  13  to  20,  62;  July  7, 

9,  and  14,  '63. 

Ivy  Ford,  Ark.,  Jan.  19,  '64;  Jan.  8,  '65. 
Ivy  Hills,  Miss.,  Feb.  22,  '64. 


Jacinto,  Miss.,  Aug.  13,  '63. 

Jackson,  Ark.,  Aug.  3,  '62;  Apr.  26,  '63. 

Jackson,  La.,  Aug.  3,  '63;  Oct.  5,  and 

Nov.  21,  '64. 
Jackson,  Miss.,  May  14,  and  July  10  to 

17,  29,  '63 ;  Feb.  5,  July  5  to  8,  '64. 
Jackson,  Mo.,  April  9,  '62;  April  27,  '63. 
Jackson,  Tenn.,  Dec.  18,  '62;  July  13,  '63 
Jacksonboro'  Tenn. ,  Mar.  10,  '62. 
Jackson  County,  Mo.,  June  2,  '02  ;  Apr. 

5,   '63. 

Jackson  Crossroads,  La. ,  June  20,  '63. 
Jacksonport,  Ark.,  Dec.  23,   '63;  April 

24  and  Aug.  26,  '64. 
Jackson's  Ford,  Ala.,  July  14,  '64. 
Jacksonville,   Fia.,  Mar.  29,  '63;  May  1 

and  28,  '64;  April  4,  '65. 
Jack's  Shop,  Tenn.,  Sept.  22,  '63. 
Jack's  Shop,  Va.,  Dec.  23,  '64. 
James  City,  Va.,  Oct.  10,  '63. 
James  Island,  S.  C.,  June  10  and  13,  '62 ; 

July  16,  '63 ;  May  21,  and  July  1,  2, 

5,  and  7,  '64;  Feb.  10,  '65. 
Jarrett's  Station,  Va.,  May  9,  '64. 
Jasper,  Tenn.,  June  4,  '62. 
Jasper  County,  Mo.,  June  10,  Oct.  5  '63. 
Jenken's  Ferry,  Ark.,  April  15  and  30, 

and  May  4,  '64. 

Jenks  Bridge,  Ga.,  Dec.  7,  to  9,  '64.    - 
Jennies  Creek,  Ky.,  Jan.  7,  '62. 


XV 


Jefferson,  Term.,  Dec.  30,  '62. 
Jefferson  City,  Mo.,  Oct.  7,  Nov.  3,  '64. 
Jeffersontou,  Va.,  Oct.  12,  '63. 
Jeffersonville,  Va.,   May  8,  '64. 
Jericho  Ford,  Va. ,  May  23  to  27,  '64. 
Jerusalem  Plank  Road,  Va.,  June  22  and 

23,  '64. 

Jettersville,  Va.,  April  5,  '65. 
John   Day's   Eiver,   Or.,    July  12,    '64; 

April  16,   65. 

John's  Island,  S.  C.,  July  5  to  9,  '64. 
Johnson  County,  Mo.,  July  16,  '64. 
Johnson  Depot,  Term.,  Sept.  22,  '63. 
Johnson's  Mills,  Tenu.,  Feb.  22,  '64. 
Johnson ville,  Tenn.,  Sept.  25,  and  Nov. 

4  and  5,  '64. 

Johnston,  Mo.,  Nov.  24,  '61. 
Jonesboro',  Ark.,  Aug.  3,  '62. 
Jonesboro',  Ga.,  Aug.  19,  20  and  31,  and 

Sept.  1  and  7,  '64. 
Jonesboro',  Mo.,  Aug.  21  and  22,    '61; 

Oct.  12  and  14,  '63. 
Jones'  Bridge,  Va.,  June  23,  '64. 
Jones'  Crossroads,  Miss.,  May  3,  '63. 
Jones'  Ford,  Miss.,  July  6,  63. 
Jones'  Ford,  Tenn.,  July  2,  '63. 
Jones'  Hay  Station,  Ark.,  Aug.  24,  '64. 
Jones' Plantation,  Ga.,  Nov.  27  to  29, '64. 
Jones  ville,  Va.,  Jan.  3,  '64. 
Jornado del  Muerto,  N.  Mex.,  June  16, '63 
Joy's  Ford,  Ark.,  Jan.  8,  '65. 
Julesburg,  I.  T.,  Jan.  7,  '65. 
Jumpertown,  Miss.,  Nov.  5,  '62. 

K 

Kansas  City,  Mo.,  Nov.  22,  '64. 
Kearneysville,  Va.,  Aug.  25,  '64. 
Kearnestown,  Va.,  Mar.  23,  '62. 
Keller's  Bridge,  Ky.,  June  10,  '64. 
Kelly's  Ford,  Tenn.,  Jan.  27,  '64. 
Kelly's  Ford,  Va.,  Aug.  21,  '62 ;  Mar.  17. 

and  Aug.  1  to  3,  and  Nov.  7,  '63. 
Kelly's  Island,  Va.,  June  26,  '61 
Kelly's  Store,  Va.,  Jan.  30,  '63. 
Kenesaw   Mountain,    Ga.,    June   10  to 

July  2,  '64. 

Kernstowu,  Va.,  July  23,  '64. 
Kettle  Kun,  Va.,  Aug.  27,  '62. 
Keysville,  Cal.,  April  19,  '63. 
Keytesville,  Mo.,  Feb.  17  and  26,  '62. 
Kincaels,  Tenn.,  Nov.  6,  '63. 
Kinderhook,  Tenn.,  Aug.  11,  '62. 
King  George  County,  Va.,  Aug.  24,  '63. 
King  George  C.  H.,  Va.,  Dec.  2,  '62. 
King's  Creek,  Miss.,  July  9,  '64. 
Kingsport,  Tenn.,  Dec.  13,  '64. 
King's  Kiver,  Ark.,  April  16,  '64. 


King's  School  House,  Va.,  June  25,  '62. 
Kingston,  Ga.,  May  18,  24,  Oct.  12,  '64. 
Kingston,  N.  C.,  Dec.  14,  '62;  Mar.  14, '65 
Kingston,  Tenn.,  Nov.  26,  '63;  Aug.  26, 

'64. 

Kingsville,  Mo.,  June  12,  '64. 
Kirksville,  Mo.,  Aug.  5,  6,  and  26,  '62. 
Knob  Gap,  Tenn.,  Dec.  26,  '62. 
Knob  Noster,  Mo.,  Jan.  22,  '62. 
Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Sept.  10,  '63. 
Kock's  Plantation,  La.,  July  13,  '63. 
Kossuth,  Miss.,  Aug.  27,  '62. 

L 

Labadieville,  La.,  Oct.  27,  62. 

Lacey's  Springs,  Va.,  Dec.  20,  '64. 

Lakija,  Ala.,  Oct.  30,   64. 

La  Fayette,  Ga.,  June — ,  '64. 

La  Fayette,  Tenn.,  Dec.  25,  '63;  June  9 

and  24,  '64. 

La  Fayette  County,  Mo.,  June  14,  '64. 
La  Fourche  Crossing,  La.,  June  20,  and 

21,  '63. 
La  Grange,  Ark.,  Sept.  6,  Oct.  11,  Nov. 

7,  Dec.  30,    62;  Jan.   3,  May  1,  '63. 
La  Grange,  Tenn.,  Nov.  11,  '62;  July 

16,  '63. 

Lake  Chicot,  La.  Jnne  6,  '64. 
Lake  Chicot,  La.,  July  6  and  7,  '64. 
Lake  City,  Fla.,  Feb.  12,  '64. 
Lake  Providence,  La.,  Feb.  10,  May  27, 

and  June  10  and  29,  '63. 
Lake  Village,  Ark.,  Feb.  10,  '64. 
Lamar,  Miss.,  Nov.  12,  '62. 
Lamar,  Mo.,  Aug.  24  and  Nov.  5,  '62. 
Lamb's  Ferry,  Tenn.,  Dec.  25,  '64. 
Lamonica  Springs,  N.  Mex. ,  Sept.  4,  '65. 
Lancaster,  Ky.,  Oct.  14,  '62. 
Lancaster,  Mo.,  Nov.  24,  '61. 
Dane's  Prairie,  Mo.,  July  26,  '61 ;  May 

26,  '64 

Languelle  Ferry,  Ark.,  Aug.  3,  '62. 
Lattamore  s  Mills,  Ga. ,  June  20,  '64. 
Lauderdale  Springs,  Miss.,  Feb.  16,  '64. 
Laurel  Hill,  W.  Va.,  July  8,  '61. 
LaVergne,  Tenn.,  Oct.  7,  Nov.  27,  and 

Dec.  9,  '62 ;  Jan.  1,  '63 ;  Sept.  1,  '64. 
Lawrence,  Kan.  July  27,  Aug.  21,  '63. 
Lawrenceburg,  Ky.,  Oct.  9,  '62. 
Lawrenceburg,  Ohio,  July  14,  '63. 
Lawrenceburg,  Tenn.,  Nov.  4,  '63;  Nov. 

22  and  27,  and  Dec.  22,  '64. 
Lay's  Ferry,  Ga. ,  May  15,  '64. 
Leasburg,  Mo.,  Sept.  29,  30,  Oct.  1,  28, '64 
Leatherwood,  Ky.,  Nov.  6,  62. 
Lebanon,  Ala.,  Feb.  3  and  6,  '64. 
Lebanon,  Ky.,  July  12,  '62;  July  5,  '63; 

and  July  30,  '64. 


Lebanon,  Tenu.,  May  5,  Nov.   11,  and 

Dec.  6,  '62.     Feb.  8,  '63. 
Leesburg,  Va.,  Oct.  21,  '61. 
Leesburg  Road,  Va.,  Sept.  17,  '62. 
Lee's  Creek,  Ark.,  Aug.  1,  '64. 
Lee's  Mills,  Va.,  April  16,  '62;  July  12 

and  30,  '64. 

Lee  Springs,  Va.,  Aug.  23,  '62. 
Lee  surrendered,  Va.,  April  9,  '65. 
Leesville,  Mo.,  Mar.  19,  '62. 
Leetown,  Va.,  Mar.  7,  '62;  July  3,  '64. 
Legare's  Point,  S.  C.,  June  3,  '62. 
Leighton,  Ala.,  April  24,  '63. 
Leiper's  Ferry,  Tenn.,  Oct.  28,  '63. 
Leland's  Point,  Ark.,  May  27,  '64. 
Leuoirs,  Tenn.,  Nov.  15,  '63. 
Lett's  Tan-yard,  Ga.,  Sept.  13,   '63. 
Lewinsville,  Va.,  Sept.  11,  '61. 
Lewisburgh,  Ark.,  Jan.  17,  '64. 
Lewisburg,  Va.,  May  23,  '62. 
Lexington,  Ky.,  Oct.  17,   '62;  July  28, 

'63;  June  10,  '64. 
Lexington,  Mo.,  Aug.  29,  Sept.  32  to  20, 

'61;  Mar.  12,  Oct.  17,  '62;  Feb.  22, 

June  14,  Oct.  19  and  21,  '64. 
Lexington,  Tenn.,    Dec.  18,   '62;  June 

29   '63 

Lexington, '\V.  Va.,  June  10,  11,  '64. 
Liberty,  La.,  Nov.  21,  '64. 
Liberty,  Mo.,  Oct.  6,  '62. 
Liberty,  Va.,  June  20,  '64. 
Liberty  Creek,  La. ,  Nov.  15,  '64. 
Liberty  Gap,  Tenn.,  June  25,  '63. 
Liberty  Landing,  Mo.,  Oct.  6,  '62. 
Liberty  Mills,  Va.,  Oct.  15,  '63. 
Liberty  Post-Office,  Ark.,  April  15,  '64. 
Lick  Creek,  Ark.,  Jan.  12,  '63. 
Lick  Creek,  Tenn.,  April  24  '62. 
Licking,  Mo.,  May  4,  '62, 
Limestone  Station,  Tenn.,  Sept.  5,  '63. 
Linden,  Tenn.,  May  12,  '63. 
Linden,  Va.,  May  15,  '62. 
Linn  Creek,  Mo.,  Oct.  15,  '61. 
Linn  Creek,  Va.,  Feb.  8,  '62. 
Liscomb's  Hill,  Cal.,  June  6,  '62. 
Little   Bear   Creek,  Ala.,  Nov.  28  and 

Dec.  12,  '62. 

Little  Blue,  D.  T.,  Aug.  12,  '64. 
Little  Blue,  Mo.,  Nov.  11,  '61;  April  12, 

'62;  July  6  and  Oct.  21,  '64. 
Little  Cacapou,  Va.,  April  10,  '64. 
Little  Creek,  N.  C.,  Nov.  3,  '62. 
Little  Harpetb,  Tenn,,  March  25,  '63. 
Little  Lerrnio,  Colo.,  Aug.  5,  '65 
Little  Missouri  River,  Ark.,  Jan.  25  and 

April  4  and  6,  '64. 
Little  Osage  River,  Kans.,  Oct.  25,  '64. 


Little  Pond,  Tenn.,  Aug.  30,  '62. 
Little  Red  River,  Ark.,  June  5,  25,  '62. 
Little  River,  Tenn..  Oct.  20,  '64. 
Little  Rock,  Ark.,  Sept.  10,  '63;  April 

26  and  May  28,  '64. 
Little  Rock  Lauding,  Tenn.,  April  26, 

'63. 

Little  Rock  Road,  Ark.,  April  2,  '63. 
Little  Salkahatchie,   S.   C.,  Feb.  5,   '65. 
Little   Santa  Fe,  Mo.,  Nov.  6,  20,  '61; 

March  23,  '62. 

Little  Washington,  Va.,  Nov.  15,  '62. 
Liverpool  Heights,  Miss.,  Feb.  3,  '64. 
Livingston,  Miss.,  March  27,  '64. 
Lockbridge's  Mills,  Ky.,  May  5,  '62. 
Lock's  Ford,  Va.,  Sept.  13,  '64. 
Locust  Grove,  I.  T.,  July  3,  '62 
Locust  Grove,  Va.,  Nov.  26  to  28,  '63. 
Logans  Crossroads,  Ky.,  Jan.  19,  20,  '62. 
London  Lane,  Ala.,  April  25,  '63. 
Lone  Jack,  Mo.,  Aug.  11,  15  and  16,  '62; 

Nov.  1,  '64. 

Longview,  Ark..  March  26  and  30,  '64. 
Lookout  Mountain,  Term.,  Nov.  24,  '63. 
Lookout  Station,  Mo.,  Aug.  20,  '61. 
Lost  Creek,  Mo    April  15,  '62. 
Lost  Mountain,  Ga.,  June  9  to  30,  '64. 
Lotspeach  Farm,  Mo. ,  July  8,  '62. 
Lotus  Steamer,  Ark.,  Jan.  17,  '65. 
Loudon  Creek,  Tenn.,  Nov.  15,  '63. 
Loudon  Heights,  Va.,  Jan.  10,  '64. 
Louisa  C.  H.,  Va.,  May  1,  '63. 
Louisville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  28,  '63. 
Lovejoy's  Station,  Ga.,  July  29  and  30, 

Aug.  20,  Sept.  2  to  6,  and  Nov.  16, 

'64. 

Lovettsville,  Va.,  Aug.  8,  '61 ;  Oct.  21,  '62 
Lew  Creek,  W.  Va.,  June  21,  '63. 
Lowndesborough,  Ala.,  April  10,  '65. 
Lowtonville,  S,  C.,  Feb.  — ,  '65. 
Lucas  Bend,  Ky.,  Sept.  26,  '61. 
Lumkin's  Mills,  Miss.,  Nov.  29,  30,  '62. 
Luna  Landing,  Ark.,  Feb.  22,    64. 
Lundy's  Lane,  Ala.,  April  17,  '63. 
Luray,  Va.,  June  30  and  July  12,  '62, 

and  Sept  24,  '64. 
Lynchburg,  Va.,  June  17  and  18,  '64. 
Lynch's  Creek,  S.  C.,  Feb.  26,  'Co. 
Lynnville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  24,  Dec.  23,  '64. 

M 

Macon,  Ga.,  July  30,   Nov.  20  and  24, 

'(54.     April  20,  '65. 
Macou,  Mo.,  Feb.  12,  '65. 
Madeline  Plains,  Cal.,  Nov.  17,  '62. 
Madison,  Ark.,  April  4,  '63. 
Madison  C.  H.,  Va.,  Dec.  20,  64. 


XV11 


Madison  Station,  Ala.,  May  17  and  Nov. 

26,  '64. 

Madison ville,  Ky.,  Aug.  26,  Oct.  5,  '62. 
Madison ville,  La.,  Jan.  7,  '64. 
Mad  Kiver,  Cal.,  July  11,  '63. 
Magnolia,  Teun.,  Jan.  7,  '65. 
Malhuer  Kiver,  Oreg.,  July  9,  '65. 
Malvern   Hill,  Va.,  July  1  and  Aug.  5, 

'62;  July  27  and  28,  '64. 
Manassas,  Va.,  Aug.  30,  '62. 
Manassas  Gap,  Va.,  Nov.  5,  '62;  July  21, 

'63. 

Manassas  Junction,  Va.,  Oct.  24,  '62. 
Manchester,   Tenn.,  Aug.   29,  '62;  Mar. 

17,  '64. 

Mansfield,  La.,  Aprils,  '64. 
Mansura,  La.,  May  13  to  17,  '64. 
Maplesville,  Ala.,  April  1,  '65. 
Maria  des  Cygnes,  Kans.,  Aug.  31,  '63; 

Oct.  25,  '64. 

Marianna,  Fla.,  Sept.  27,  '64. 
Marianna,  Ark.,  Nov.  7,  '62. 
Marie's  County,  Mo.,  May  26.  '64. 
Marietta,  Ga.,  July  3  and  4,  '64. 
Marietta,  Miss.,  Aug.  31,  '62. 
Marion,  Miss.,  Feb.  17,  '64. 
Marion,  Va.,  Dec.  16  and  18,  '64. 
Marion  County,  Fla.,  March  10,  '65. 
Markham,  Va.,  Nov.  5,  '62. 
Mark's  Mills,  Ark.,  April  5  and  25,  '64. 
Marksville,  La.,  May  14  to  16,  '64. 
Marrowbone,  Ky.,  July  2,  '63. 
Marshall,  Mo.,  July  28  and  Oct.  12  and 

13,  '63. 

Marshfield,   Mo  ,  Feb.   14,  Oct.  20,  '62. 
Martiusburg,  Md.,  July  2,  '61. 
Martmsburg,  Mo.,  July  17  and  18,   '61. 
Martinsburg,  Va.,  Sept. — ,  '62;  June  14, 

'63;  Aug.  19  and  Sept.  18,  '64. 
Martin's  Creek,  Ark.,  Jan.  7,   64. 
Maryland  Heights,  Va.,  July  4  to  7,  '64. 
Marysville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  14,  '63. 
Mason's  Bridge,  S.  C.,  Dec.  6  to  9,  '64. 
Mason's  Neck,  Va.,  Feb.  24,  '62. 
Matagorda  Bay,  Texas,  Dec.  29,  30,  '63. 
Matapony,  Va.,  Aug.  6,  '62. 
Mathias  Point,  Va.,"  June  27,  '61. 
Matote,  Cal.,  May  26,  '64. 
Mnyfield,  Ky.,  Jan.  12,  '64. 
Mayre's  Heights,  Va.,  May  3,  '63. 
Maysville,  Ala.,  Aug.  28  and  Oct.  13,  '63. 
Maysville  Ark.,  Oct.  22,  '62. 
Mazzard  Prairie,  Ark.,  July  27,  '64. 
McAfee's  Crossroads,  Ga.,  June  12,  '64. 
McConnelsburg,  Pa.,  June  24,   28,  '63. 
McCullough's  Store,   Mo.,  July  26  and 
Aug.  3,  '61. 


McDonald  County,  Mo.,  Aug.  5,  '64. 

McDowell,  Va.,  May  8,  '62. 

McGuire's  Ferry,  Ark.,  Sept.  23,  '62. 

McKay's  Point,  S.  C.,  Dec.  22,  '64. 

McLean's  Ford,  Va.,  Oct.  15,  '63. 

McMinnville,  Tenn.,  Aug.  30,  '62;  Apr. 
20,  Sept.  28,  and  Oct.  3,  '63. 

Meadow  Bluff,  W.  Va.,  Dec.  12,  ?63. 

Meadow  Bridge,  Va. ,  May  12,  '64. 

Mechanicsburg   Miss.,  May  29  and  June 
4  and  7,  '63. 

Mechanicsville,  Miss.,  May  24,  29,  '63. 

Mechanicsville,  Va.,  June  26,  '62. 

Medalia,  Minn.,  April  16,  '63. 

Medley,  W.  Va.,  Jan.  29,  '64. 

Medoc,  Mo.,  Aug.  23,  '61. 

Meffletou  Lodge,  Ark.,  June  29,  '64. 

Memphis,  Mo.,  July  18,  '62. 

Memphis,  Tenn.,  June    6,   '62;  May  2, 
Aug.  21,  and  Dec.  14,  '64. 

Mendon  Station,  Tenn.,  Aug  31,  Oct.  10, 
'62. 

Meridian,  Miss.,  Feb.  9  to  19,  '64. 

Merrill's  Crossing,  Mo.,  Oct.  12,  13,  '63. 

Merriweather's  Ferry,  Temi.,  Aug.   15, 
'62. 

Messilla,  N.  Mex.,  Aug.  3,  '61. 

Messenger's  Bridge,  Miss.,  Oct.  5,  '63. 

Messenger's  Ferry,  Miss.,  July  1,  2,  '63. 

Metamora,  Miss.,"  Oct.  5,  '62. 

Metley's  Ford.  Tenn.,  Nov.  4,  '63. 

Mexico,  Mo.,  July  15,  '61. 
i  Mezcal  Kiver,  Cal.,  May  29,  '64. 
I  Michel's  Creek,  Miss..  May  5,  '63. 
i  Middleburg,  Miss.,  Dec.  24,  '62. 
'  Middleburg,  Tenn.,  Sept.  21,  '62. 

Middleburg,  Va.,  March   28,   '62;  June 
19,  '63. 

Middle  Creek,  Ky.,  Jan.  10,  '62. 

Middle  Creek  Fork,  Va,,  July  6,  '61. 

Middleton,  Md.,  July  7,  '64. 

Middleton,   Tenn.,  Jan.  5  and  31,  May 
21  and  June  24,  '63 ;  Jan.  14,  '64. 

Middleton,   Va.,  May  24,  '62;  June  11, 
'63;  Oct.  19,  '64. 

Middle  Yager,  Cal.,  June  28,  '63. 

Milford,  Mo.,  Dec.  18,  '61. 

Milford,  Va.,  July  2,  '62. 

Milford  Station,  Va.,  May  20,  '64. 

Mill  Creek,  Ga.,  May  7,  '64. 

Mill  Creek,  Mo.,  April  24,  '63. 

Mill  Creek,  Tenn.,  Nov.  27,  '62. 

Mill  Creek  Valley,  W.  Va.,  Nov.  13,  '63. 

Milieu  Grove,  Ga.,  Dec.  1,  '64. 

Milliken's  Bend,   La.,  June  5  to  7,  '63. 

Mill  Point,  W.  Va.,  Nov.  5,  '63. 

Mill  Springs,  Ky.,  Jan.   19  and  20,  '62. 


xvm 


Millsville,  Mo.,  July  16,   61. 
Milltown  Bluff,  S.  C.,  July  10,  '63. 
Millwood,  Va.,  Dec.  17,  '64. 
Milton,  Fla.,  Oct.  26,  '64. 
Milton,  Tenn.,  Feb.  18,  '63. 
Mine  Creek,  Kans.,  Oct.  25,  '64. 
Mineral  Point,  Mo. ,  Sept.  27,  '64. 
Mine  Run,  Va.,  Nov.  26 find  Dec.  2,  '63. 
Mingo  Swamp,  Mo.,  Feb.  3,  '63. 
Missionary  Ridge,    Tenn.,  Nov.  25,  '63. 
Mississippi  City,  Miss.,  March  8,  '62. 
Mississippi  Springs,  Miss.,  May  13,  '63. 
Missouri  River,  D.  T.,  July  30,  '63. 
Mitchell's  Creek,  Fla.,  Dec.  17,  '64. 
Mitchell's  Station,  Va.,  Aug.  9,  62. 
Mobile,  Ala.,  Dec.  22,  '64. 
Moccasin  Gap.,  Va.,  Dec.  24,  '64. 
Moffat's  Station,  Ark.,  Sept.  27,  '63. 
Monaqua  Springs,    Mo.,    March  25,   62. 
Monday  Hollow,  Mo.,  Oct  13,  '61. 
Monetis  Bluff,  La.,  April  23,  '64. 
Monocacy,  Md.,  July  9,  '64. 
Monroe  County,  Mo.,  Sept,  16  and  Oct. 

4,  '62. 

Monroe's  Crossroads,  N.  C.,  Mar.  10,  '65 
Monroe  Station,  Mo.,  July  9  and  10,  '<31 
Monterey,  Ky.,  June  11,  '62. 
Monterey,  Tenn.,  Apr.  28,  May  13,  '62. 
Monterey,  Va.,  April  12,  '62. 
Monterey  Gap,  Md.,  July  4.,  '63. 
Montevallo,  Ala.,  Mar.  13,  30  and  31,  '65 
Montevallo,  Mo.,    Apr.  14,    Aug.  6,  '62. 
Montgomery,  Ala.,  Apr.  12  and  13,  '65. 
Montgomery,  Ga.,  July  18,  '64. 
Mouticello,  Ky.,  May  1  and  June  9,  '63. 
Monticello,  Ark.,  Jan.  16,  Mar.  18,  '64. 
Moorefield,  W.  Va.,  Nov.  9,  '62;  Jan.  3, 

Sept.  5  and  11,  '63;  Feb.  4,  Aug.  7, 

Moore's  Bluff,  Miss.,  Sept.  29,  '64. 
Moore's  Mills,  Mo.,  July  24,  28,  29,  '62. 
Moreau  Bottom,  Mo.,  Oct.  7,  '64. 
Moresburg,  Tenn.,  Dec.  10,  '63. 
Morgan  County,  Tenn.,  Feb.  2,  '62. 
Morgan's  Mills,  Ark.,  Feb.  9,  '64. 
Morgansville,  Ky.,  Sept.  2,  '62. 
Morgantovvu,  Ky.,  Oct.  29,  '61 ;  Oct.  24, 

'62. 
Morganzia,    La.,    Sept.  29,  '63;   May  18 

and  30,  and  Nov.  23,  '64. 
Morning  Sun,  Tenn.,  July  1,  '62. 
Moro  Bottom,  Ark.,  April  25,  '64. 
Moro  Creek,  Ark.,  April  26,  '64. 
Moreausville,  La.,  May  14  to  16,  '64. 
Morristown,  Mo.,  Sept.  17,  '61. 
Morristown,  Tenn.,  Dec.  1,  '61;  Dec    10, 

'63;  Oct.  28,  '64. 


Morton,  Miss.,  Feb.  7  and  8,  '64. 
Morton's  Ford,  Va.,  Feb.  6,  '64. 
Moscow,  Ark.,  April  13,  '64. 
Moscow,  Tenn.,  Feb.  18,  Nov.  4,  Dec.  2 

and  3,  '63;  June  15,  '64. 
Moscow  Station,  Miss.,  Dec.  4,  '63. 
Moses  Creek,  Ga.,  Oct.  3,  '64. 
Mossy  Creek,  Tenn.,  Dec.  29,  '63;  Jan. 

13,  64. 

Mossy  Creek  Station,  Tenn.,  Dec.  24, '63. 
Moulton,  Ala.,  May  28  and  29,  '64. 
Mound  Plantation,  La.,  June  29,  '63. 
Mountain  Fork,  Ark.,  Feb.  4,  '64. 
Mountain  Grove,  Mo.,  March  9,  '62. 
Mountain  Home,  Mo.,  Oct.  17,  '62. 
Mountain  Store,  Mo.,  July  25  and  26,  '62 ; 

May  26,  '63. 

Mount  Carrnel,  Tenn. ,  Nov.  29,  '64. 
Mount  Clio,  S.  C.,  Feb.  26,  '65. 
Mount  Crawford,  Va. ,  June  5,  '64 ;  Feb. 

29,   65. 

Mount  Elba,  Ark.,  March  30,  '64. 
Mount  Elba  Ferry,    Ark.,    April  26,  '64. 
Mount  Ivy,  Miss. ,  Feb.  22,  '64. 
Mount  Jackson,  Va.,  Nov.  17,  '63. 
Mount  Pleasant,  Ala.,  April  1,  '65. 
Mount  Pleasant,  Miss.,  May  21,  '64. 
Mount  Pleasant  Landing,    La.,  May  15,. 

'64. 
Mount  Sterling,  Ky.,  July  29,  '62 ;  March 

22,  '63;  June  9,  '64. 

Mount  Tabor  Church,  N.  C.,  July  26, '63. 
Mount  Vernon,  Ark.,  May  11,  '63. 
Mount  Vernou,  Mo. ,  Sept.  30,  '64. 
Mount  Washington,  Ky.,  Oct.  2,  '62. 
Mount  Zion,  Mo.,  Dec.  28,  '61. 
Mount  Zion  Church,  Va.,  July  6,  '64. 
Mouth  of  Monocacy,  Md.,  Oct.  11,  '62. 
Mud  Creek,  Ala.,  Jan.  5,  '65. 
Muddy  Kun,  Va.,  Nov.  8,  '63. 
Mud  Springs,  I.  T.,  Feb.  8,  '65. 
Mulberry  Gap,  Tenn.,  Feb.  22,  '64. 
Muldrough's  Hill,  Ky.,  Dec.  28,  '62. 
Mumford's  Station,    Ala.,    April  23,  '65. 
Munfordsville,  Ky.,   Dec.  17,  '61;  Sept. 

14,  16  and  21,  '62. 

Munson's  Hill,  Va.,  Aug.  31  and  Sept. 
29,  '61. 

Murfreesboro',  Tenn.,  July  13,  Dec.  31, 
'62  to  Jan.  3,  June  6,  '63;  Sept.  3, 
Dec.  5,  6,  7,  15  and  24,  '64. 

Murfreesboro'  Road,   Tenn.,  Oct.  4,  '63. 

Muscle  Shoals,  Ala.,  Oct.  30,  '64. 

Mustang  Island,  Texas,  Nov.  17,  '63. 

Myerstown,  Va.,  Nov.  18,  '64. 

N 
Namoziu  Church,  Va.,  April  3,  '65. 


XIX 


Nansemond,  Va.,  April  14,  '63. 
Nanseniond  River,  Va.,  May  3,  '63. 
Narrows,  Ga.,  Oct.  11,  '64. 
Nashville,  Term.,  Mar.  9,  July  21,  Nov. 

5,  '62 ;  May  24,  Dec.  2  to  22,  '64. 
Natchez,  Miss.,  Nov.  11,  Dec.  7  and  10, 

'63;  April  25,  '64. 
Natchitoches,  La.,  Mar.  31,  Apr.  19,  May 

5,  '64. 

^Natural  Bridge,  Fla.,  March  6,  '65. 
Nauvoo,  Ala.,  Jan.  2,  '65. 
Near  Alexandria,  La.,  May  1  to  8,  '64. 
Near  Blue  Springs,  Tenn.,  Oct.  5,  '63. 
Near  Bolivar  Heights,  Va.,  July  14,  '64. 
Near  Brownsville,  Ark.,  Oct.  30,  '64. 
Near  Canton,  Miss.,  Feb.  27  and  28,  '64. 
Near  Culpeper,  Va.,  July  12,  '62. 
Near  Dalton,  Ga.,  Jan.  21,  '64. 
Near  Decatur,  Tenn.,  July  15,  '62. 
Near  Lebanon,  Mo.,  March  12,  '62. 
Near  Memphis,  Tenn.,  Oct.  4,  '64. 
Near  Nashville,  Tenn.,  March  8,  Oct.  20, 

'62. 

Near  New  Berne,  N.  C.,  Feb.  27,  '63. 
Near  Pine  Bluff,  Ark.,  Sept.  — ,  '64. 
Near   Point   Washington,    Fla.    Feb.    9, 

'64. 

Near  Komney,  Va.,  Feb.  16,  '63. 
Near  Snicker's  Gap,  Va.,  Aug.  13,  '64. 
Near  the  Rappahannock,  Va.,  Apr.  1/64. 
Near  Tunica  Bend,  La.,  April  22,  '64. 
Near  Walkertowu,  Va.,  March  2,  '64. 
Near  Yazoo  City,  Miss.,  Feb.  28,  '64. 
Nelson  s  Farm,  Va. ,  June  30,  '62. 
Neosho,  Mo.,  Apr.  26,  May  31,  Sept  1, 

to  4,  Dec.  15,  '62;  Mar.  2,  Oct.  4, 

Nov.  5,  '63 ;  June  3,  Nov.  10,  '64. 
Neuse  River,  N.  C.,  April  10  '64. 
New  Albany,  Miss.,  Apr.  19,  Oct.  5,  '63; 

July  10,  '64. 

Newark,  Mo.,  Aug.  1,  '62. 
New  Baltimore,  Va.,  Nov.  5,  '62. 
New  Berne,  N.  C.,  Mar.  14,  May  22,  Nov. 

11,  '62;  Mar.   14,   '63;  Feb.   1  to  4, 

and  29,  '64. 

New  Bridge,  Va.,  May  24,  '62. 
New  Cider  Mills,  Tenn.,  Nov.  29,  '64. 
New  Creek,  W.  Va.,  June  17,  '61;  Aug. 

4,  '64. 

New  Creek  Valley,  W.  Va.,  Feb.  1,  '64. 

New  Hope,  Ky.,  July  11,  '62. 

New  Hope,  Va.,  Nov.  28,  '63. 

New  Hope  Church,  Ga.,  May  25  to  June 

5,  '64. 

New  Kent  C.  H.,  Va.,  May  9,  '62;  March 

2,  '64. 
New  Lisbon,  Ohio,  July  26,  '63. 


New  Madrid,  Mo.,  March  3  to  6,  and  14, 

'62 ;  Aug.  7,  '63. 

New  Madrid  Bend,  Tenn.,  Oct.  22,  '63. 
New  Market,    Va.,    May  15,  July  27  and 

28,  and  Oct.  7,  '64. 

New  Market  Bridge,  Va.,  Dec.  22,  '61. 
New  Market  Crossroads,  Va. ,  June  30,  '62 
New  Market  Heights,  Va. ,  June  24,  Sept. 

28  to  30,  '64. 

Newuan,  Ga.,  July  30  and  31,  '64. 
Newport  Barracks,  N.  C.,  Feb.  1  to  3, '64 
Newport  News,  Va.,  July  5,  '61. 
New  Providence,  Tenn. ,"  Sept.  6,  '62. 
New  River,  La.,  Feb.  9,  '64. 
New  River  Bridge,    Va.,    May  9  and  10, 

'64. 
Newtonia,  Mo.,  Aug.  5,  Sept.  13  and  30, 

Oct.  4,  5,  7,  '62;  Sept.  27,  '63;  Oct. 

28  to  30,  '64. 

Newton,  La.,  Oct.  4,  '63. 
Newtown,  Va.,  May  24,  '62;  Nov.  12,  '64. 
Newton  County,  Mo.,  Feb.  10,  '63. 
New  Ulm,  Minn.,  Aug.  25  and  26,  '62. 
Nickajack  Creek,  Ga.,  July  1  to  10,  '64. 
Nickajack  Trace,  Ga.,  April  23,  '64. 
Nineveh,  Va.,  Nov.  12,  '64. 
Niobrara,  Neb.,  Dec.  4,  '63. 
Nolansville,  Md.,  Sept.  9,  '62. 
Nolensville,  Tenn.,  Dec.  26,  '62;  Feb.  15, 

'63. 

Norfolk,  Va.,  May  10,  '62. 
North  Anna  River,  Va.,  July  23,  '62. 
Northeast  River,  N.  C.,  Jan.  17,  '63. 
North  Fork,  Va.,  March  6,  '65. 
North  Mountain,  Va.,  July  3,  '64. 
Northport,  Ala. ,  April  3,  '65. 
North  Shenandoah,  Va.,  Oct.  — ,  '64. 
Nose's  Creek,  Ga.,    June  17,  Oct.  1  to  3, 

'64. 

Nottaway,  C.  H.,  Va.,  June  23,  '64. 
Nueces  River,  Tex.,  Aug.  10,  '62. 


Oak  Grove,  Va.,  June  25,  '62. 
Oak  Hills,  Mo.,  Aug.  10,  '61. 
Oakland,  Miss.,  Dec,  3  and  8,  '64. 
Ocean  Pond,  Fla. ,  Feb.  20,  '64. 
Occoquan,  Va.,  Mar.  5,  Dec.  19,  28,  '62. 
Occoquan  Bridge,  Va.,  Jan.  29,  '62. 
Occoquan  Creek,  Va.,  Nov.  12,  '61. 
Offett's  Knob,  Mo.,  April  28,  '64. 
Ogeeche  River,  Ga.,  Dec.  7  to  9,  '64. 
Okalona,  Ark.,  Apr.  3,  '64. 
Okalona,  Miss.,  Feb.  22,  '64. 
Old  Church,  Va.,  June  13,  '62;  May  30, 

June  10  and  11,  '64. 
Old  Fort  Wayne,  Ark.,  Aug.  22,  '62. 


XX 


Old  Oaks,  La.,  May  18,  '64. 
Old  Kandolph,  Mo.,  Sept.  14,  '61. 
Old  Biver,  La.,  Feb.  10,  '63;  May  22,  '64. 
Old  Kiver  Lake,  Ark.,  June  5  and  6,  '64. 
Olive  Branch,  La. ,  March  6,  '65. 
Olive  Hill,  Ky.,  Oct.  2,  '62. 
Oostenaula,  Ga.,  May  13  to  16,  '64. 
Opelousas,  La.,  Oct.  21,  '63. 
Opequan,  Va.,  Sept.  19,  '64. 
Orangeburgh,  S.  C.,  Feb.  12,  '65. 
Orange  C.  H.,  Va.,  July  25,  Aug.  2,  '62. 
Orange  Grove,  Va.,  Nov.  26  to  28,  '63. 
Orchard  Knob,  Tenn.,  Nov.  23,  '63. 
Oregon  County,  Mo.,  Oct.  23,  '63;  Mar. 

19,  '64. 

Oregon  Mountains,  Or.,  Jan.  28,  '64. 
Orleans,  Ind.,  June  17,  '63. 
Osage  Mission,  Kan.,  Sept.  26,  '64. 
Osage  Biver,  Mo.,  Oct.  6,  '64. 
Osceola,  Ark.,  Aug.  2  and  4,  '64. 
Osceola,  Mo.,  Sept.  20,  21,  '61;  May  27, 

'62. 

Otter  Creek,  Va.,  June  16,  '64. 
Overall's  Creek,  Tenn.,  Dec.  4,  '64. 
Overton's  Hills,  Tenn.,  Dec.  15,  16,  '64. 
Owensborough,  Ky.,  Aug.  27,  '64. 
Owensburgh,  Ky.,"   Sept.  19  and  20,  '62. 
Owen's  Crossroads,  S.  C.,  Feb.  2,  '65. 
Owen's  Biver,  Cal.,  April  9,  '62. 
Owen's  Valley,  Cal.,  Mar.  3,  19,  Apr.  10, 

'63. 
Oxford,  Miss.,  Dec.  3,  '62;  Aug.  12,  19, 

22  and  23,  '64. 

Oxford  Bend,  Ark.,  Oct.  28,  '62. 
Ox  Hill,  Va.,  Sept.  1,  '62. 
Ozark,  Ark.,  Oct.  29,  '63;  July  14,  15, '64. 
Ozark,  Mo.,  Aug.  2  and  Dec.  2,  '62. 


Painsville,  Ky.,  Jan.  7,  '62. 

Paint  Bock  Bailroad  Bridge,  Ark.,  April 

28,  '62. 

Paintsville,  Ky.,  April  13,  '64. 

Palmer's  Creek,  Va.,  May  12  to  16,  '64. 

Palmetto  Banche,  Texas,  May  13,  '65. 

Palmyra,  Mo.,  Nov.  18,  '61. 

Palmyra,  Tenn.,  Nov.  13,  '63. 

Palo  Alto,  Miss.,  April  21  and  22,  '63. 

Panther  Creek,  Mo.,  Aug.  8,  '62. 

Panther  Gap,  W.  Va.,  June  3,  '64. 

Panther  Springs,  Tenn.,  March  5,  '64. 

Papinsville,  Kan.,  Sept.  5,  '61. 

Paris,    Ky.,    July  30,  '62;   Mar.  11,  July 

29,  '63. 

Paris,  Tenn.,  Mar.  11,  Apr.  10,  '62;  Sept. 

13,  '63. 
Parker's  Crossroads,  Tenn.,  Dec.  30,  '62. 


Parkersville,  Mo.,  July  17,  19,  '61;  Dec 

6,  '62. 

Pass  Christian,  Miss.,  April  4,  '62. 
Pasquotank,  N.  C.,  Aug.  18,  '63. 
PassManchas,  La.,  March  20,  '64. 
Patten,  Mo. ,  July  26,  '62. 
Patterson,  Mo.,  April  20,  '63. 
Patterson  Creek,  Va.,  Feb.  3,  '64. 
Patterson ville,  La.,  March  28,  '63. 
Pawnee  Forks,  Kan.,  Nov.  25,  '64. 
Pawnee  Beservation,  June  20,  '63. 
Payne's  Plantation,  Miss.,  Aug.  18,  '63. 
Payne's  Tavern,  Va.,    Nov.  26  to  28,  '63. 
Peach  Orchard,  Va.,  June  29,  '62. 
Peach  Tree  Creek,  Ga.,  July  19,  20,  '64. 
Pea  Bidge,  Ark.,  March  6  to  8,  '62. 
Pea  Vine  Creek,  Ga.,  Nov.  27,  '63. 
Pechacho  Pass,  D.  T.,  April  15,  '62. 
Pembescott  Bayou,  Ark.,  April  8,  '64. 
Pendleton,  Mo.,  Oct.  29,  '62. 
Pensacola,  Fla.,  Nov.  23,  61;  Apr.  2,  '64. 
Peralto,  N.  Mex.,  April  15,  '62. 
Perry  County,  Ky.,  Nov.  9,  '62. 
Perry  ville,  Ark.,  Aug.  26,  '63. 
Perry  ville,  Ky.,  Oct.  6,  7  and  8,  '62. 
Perry  ville,  I.  T.,  Aug.  26,  '63 
Petersburg,  Tenn. ,  March  2  and  4,  '63. 
Petersburg,  Va.,  June  10,  '64,  to  April  3, 

'65. 
Petersburg,  W.  Va.,  Sept.  7,  '61;  Jan.  8, 

'64. 

Petit  Jean,  Ark.,  July  12,  '64. 
Philadelphia,  Tenn.,  Oct.  20,  22,  26,  '63. 
Philimont,  Va.,  Nov.  1,  '62. 
Philippi,  W.  Va.,  June  3,  '61. 
Philip  s  Creek,  Miss.,  May  21,  '62. 
Piedmont  Station,  Va.,  May  16,  '63. 
Pierce's  Point,  Fla.,  Oct.  18,  '64. 
Pierson's  Farm,  Va.,  June  16,  '64. 
Pigeon  Boost  Creek,  Miss.,  May  14,  '63. 
Piketown,  Ky.,  Nov.  9,  '61. 
Pikeville,  Ark.,  June  25  to  29,  '64. 
Pikeville,  Ky.,  April  15,  '63. 
Pilot  Knob,  Mo.,  Sept.  26  to  29,  Oct.  26, 

'64. 

Pinal  Creek,  Ariz.  T.,  Aug.  1  and  5,  '64. 
Pinckney  Island,  S.  C.,  Aug.  21,  '62. 
Pine  Barren  Creek,  Ala.,  Dec.  17  to  19, 

'64;  March  25,  '65. 

Pine  Barren  Fork,  Fla.,  Dec.  17,  18,  '64. 
Pine  Bluff,  Ark.,    Oct.  25,  '63;  Jan.  19, 

May  1,  21,  June  27,  July  2,  '64. 
Pine  Bluff,  Tenn.,  Aug.  19,  64. 
Pine  Forest,  Nev.,  Nov.  17,  '65. 
Pine  Knob,  Ga.,  June  19,  '64. 
Pine  Mountain,  Ga.,  June  14,  '64. 
Pineville,  Mo.,  Nov.  19,  '62;  Aug.  13,  '63. 


XXI 


Piney  Factory,  Term.,  Nov.  3,  '63. 

Piney  Woods,  La.,  April  2,  '64. 

Pink  Hill,  Mo.,  June  11,  '62. 

Pin os  Altos,  Ariz.  T.,  Feb.  27,  '64. 

Pinos  Altos  Mines,  Ariz.  T.,  Jan.  29,  '63. 

Pittman's  Ferry,  Ark.,  July  20,  Nov.  25, 

'62. 

Pittman's  Ferry,  Mo.,  Oct.  27,  '62. 
Pittsburg  Landing,  Tenn.,  Mar.  2,  Apr. 

6  and  7,  '62. 
Plain's  Store,  La.,   May  21,  '63;   Apr.  7, 

'64. 

Platte  Bridge,  Dak.,  June  3,  July  26,  '65. 
Platte  City,  Mo.,  July  3,  '64. 
Plattsburg,  Mo.,  Oct.  27,  '61. 
Plaquemine,  La.,  June  18,  '63;  June  28, 

Aug.  6,  '64. 

Pleasant  Grove,  La.,  April  8,  '64. 
Pleasant  Hills,  La.,  April  9,  '64. 
Pleasant  Hill,  Mo.,  July  8,  11,  '62;  May 

25  and  28,  '64. 

Pleasant  Hill  Landing,  La.,  April  12,  '64. 
Pleasant  Kidge,  Ala.,  April  6,  '65. 
Plenitude,  Miss.,  July  10,  '64. 
Plymouth,  N.  C.,  Sept,  2,  '62;  Nov.  26, 

'63;  Apr.  1,  17  to  20,  '64. 
Pocahontas,  Ark.,  Aug.  22,  '63. 
Pocahontas,  Mo.,  Feb.  10,  '64. 
Pocotaligo,  S.  C.,    May  29,  Oct.  22,  '62; 

Jan.  14  to  16,  '65. 
Point  Lick,  Ky.,  Oct.  23,  '62. 
Point  Lookout,  Va.,  May  13,  '64. 
Point  of  Rocks,  Kan.,  Jan.  20,  !65. 
Point  of  Rocks,  Md.,    Aug.  5,  '61;  June 

9  and  July  4,  '64. 
Point  Pleasant,  La.,  June  25,  '64. 
Point  Pleasant,  W.  Va.,  March  30,  '63. 
Poison  Springs,  Ark.,  April  18,  '64. 
Polk's  Plantation,  Ark.,  May  25,  '63. 
Pollocksville,    N.  C.,  Apr.  14,  '62;   Jan. 

17,  '63. 
Ponchatoula,  La.,  Sept.  14,  '62;  Mar.  24, 

May  13,  '63. 

Pond  Creek,  Ky.,  May  16,  '64. 
Pond  Spring,  Ala.,  Dec.  29,  '64. 
Pontotoc,  Miss.,  July  11,  '64. 
Poole's  Station,  Ga.,  Dec.  7  to  9,  '64. 
Poolesville,  Md.,  Sept.  7,  '62. 
Poplar  Springs  Church,  Va.,    Sept.   30, 

Oct.  1,  '64. 
Port  Gibson,  Miss.,  May  1,  Dec.  26,  '63 ; 

July  7  and  15,  Oct.  1,  '64. 
Port  Hudson,    La.,    Mar.  14,    May  22  to 

July  9,  '63. 

Port  Republic,  Va..  June  9,  '62. 
Port  Royal,  S.  C.,  Nov.  7,  '61 :  Jan.  1,  '62. 
Port  Walthall,  Va.,  June  16  and  17,  '64. 


Potosi,  Mo.,  Aug.  10,  '61. 
Pound  Gap,  Ky.,  April  19,  '64. 
Pound  Gap,  Tenn.,  March  14,  '62. 
Pound  Gap  expedition,  Tenn.,  July  6, '63. 
Powder  River,  Da.,  Sept.  5  to  11,  '65. 
Powder's  Mill,  Mo.,  Oct  3,  '64. 
Powder  Springs,  Ga.,  June  20,  '64. 
Powder  Springs  Creek,  Ga.,    Oct.  1  to  3, 

'64. 
Powell's  River  Bridge,    Tenn.,    Feb.  22, 

'64. 

Powhatan,  Va.,  Jan.  25,  '65. 
Prairie  Chapel,  Mo.,   Sept.  4,  '62. 
Prairie  D'Aim,  Ark.,  April  10  to  13,  '64. 
Prairie  Station,  Miss.,  Feb.  21,  '63;  Feb. 

20,  '64. 

Treble's  Farm.,  Va.,  Sept.  30,  Oct.  1,  '64. 
Prentis,  Miss.,  Sept.  20,  '62. 
Prestonburg,  Ky.,  Jan.  10.  '62. 
Prince's  Place.  Mo.,  Oct.  6,  '64. 
Princeton,  Ark.,  Dec.  6,  8,  '63;  Apr.  29, 

Oct.  23,  '64. 

Princeton,  Ky.,  June  10,  '64. 
Princeton,    W.  Va.,    May  15  to  18,   '62; 

May  6,  '64. 

Pritchard's  Mills,  Md.,  Sept.  15,  '61. 
Proctor's  Creek,  Va.,  May  12  to  16,   '64. 
Pueblo  Colorado,  N.  Mex.,  Aug.  18,  '63. 
'  Pulaski,  Ala.,  July  15,  '63. 
Pulaski,  Tenn.,  May  4,  '62 ;  May  13,  Sept. 

26,  27,  Dec.  25,  '64. 
Pumpkin   Vine  Creek,  Ga. ,    May  25  to 

June  4,  '64. 

Putnam,  Mo.,  Sept.  1,  '62. 
Putnam's  Ferry,  Mo.,  April  2,  '62, 
Pyramid  Lake,  Nev.,  May  14,  '65. 


Quaker  Road,  Va.,  Mar.  29,  '65. 
Quicksand  Creek,  Ky.,  Apr.  6,  '64. 
Quincy,  Mo.,  Nov.  1,  '64. 


Raccoon  Ford,  Ala. ,  Oct.  30,  '64. 
Raccoon  Ford,  Va.,    Sept.  14,   19,    '63; 

Nov.  26,  '63. 

Raceland,  La.,  June  22,  '62. 
Raid— Rocky  Mount,   N.  C.,  July  18  to 

21,  '63. 
Raid— Tar  River,    N.  C.,    July  18  to  21, 

'63. 
Raid  to  Gordonsville,  Va.,  Dec.  8  to  28, 

'64 

Raleigh,  N.  C.,  April  7  and  13,  '65. 
Randolph  County,  Mo.,  May  8,  '64. 
Rapidan,  Va.,  Oct.  10,  17,  '63;  March  1, 

'64. 


XX11 


Rapidan  Station,  Ya.,  May  1,  '63. 
Rappahaunock  Bridge,  Va.,  Nov.  8,  '62; 

Oct.  24,  '63. 
Rappahonuock   Crossing,  Va.,    Oct.  22, 

'63. 
Rappahannock  Station,  Va.,  Aug.  20  to 

23,  '62 ;  Aug.  1,  2,  '63 ;  Nov.  7,  '63. 
Raymond,  Miss.,  May  12,  '63; Feb.  4,  '64. 
Raytown,  Mo.,  June  23,  '62. 
Ready ville,  Teun.,  Aug.  28,  '62;  Sept.  7, 

'64. 
Ream's  Station,  Va.,  June  22,  29,   Aug. 

25,  '64. 

Rector's  Farm,  Ark.,  Dec.  19,  '64. 
Red  Bone,  Miss.,  April  21,  '64. 
Red  Bone  Church,  Mo.,  Sept.  25,  '63. 
Red  Clay,  Ga.,  May  3,  '64. 
Red  Hill,  Ala.,  Jan.  14,  '65. 
Red  House,  W.  Va.,  July  12,  '61. 
Red  Mound,  Tenn.,  Dec.  30,  '62. 
Red  Oaks,  Ga.,  Aug.  19,  20,  28,  '64. 
Red  River  expedition,  La.,   May  — ,  '64. 
Redoubt  before  Yorktown,  Va.,  Apr.  26, 

'62. 

Redwood,  Cal.,  Aug.  4,  '63. 
"Redwood,  Minn.,  Aug.  18,  '62. 
Redwood  Creek,  Cal.,  July  7,  '63. 
Reed's  Mountains,  Ark.,  Dec.  5,  '62. 
Reedy  Creek,  W.  Va.  ,May  13,  '66. 
Renick,  Mo.,  Nov.  1,  '61. 
Reusey's  Ferry,  Mo.,  May  31,  '62. 
Rerock,  Ariz.,  Mar.  24,  '65. 
Resaca,  Ga.,  May  13  to  16,  Oct.  12,  '64. 
Reynold's  Plantation,  Ga.,  Nov.  27  to  29, 

'64. 

Rhea's  Mills.  Ark.,  Nov.  7,  '62. 
Rahertowu,  Teun.,  Oct.  11,  '63. 
Richfield,  Mo.,  May  19,  '63. 
Richland,  Ark. ,  May  3,  '64. 
Richland,  Tenni,   Oct.  23,    62;  Sept.  26, 

'64. 

Richmond,  Ky  ,  Aug.  30,  '62;  July  28, '63 
Richmond,  La.,  Mar.  30,  June  15,  '63. 
Richmond,  Miss.,  June  14,  '63. 
Richmond,  Va.,  Sept.  29  and  30,  Oct.  28 

and  29,  '64 ;  Mar.  30  to  Apr.  3,  '65. 
Richmond  and  Petersburgh  R.  R.,  Va., 

May  6  and  7,  '64. 

Rich  Mountain,  W.  Va.,  July  11,  '61. 
Rickett's  Hill,  Tenn.,  Aug.  6,  Sepf  7, '62 
Riddle's  Shop,  Va.,  June  13,  '64. 
Rienzi,    Miss.,    Aug.  19,  26,  Sept.  9,  18, 

'62. 
Rincon  de  Mascaras,    N.  Mex.,    Dec.  11, 

'63. 

Ringgold,  Ga.  Sept.  11,  Nov.  27,  '63. 
Rio  De  Los  Aninios,  N.  Mex.,  July  19, '63 


Rio  Hondo,  N.  Mex.,  July  18,  '63. 

Rio  Verde,  Ariz.  Oct.  13,  '65. 

Ripley,  Miss.,  July  7.  Dec.  1,  '63;  June 

7  and  11,  and  July  7,  '64. 
Ripley,  Tenn.,  Jan.  8,   '63. 
River's  Bridge,  S.  C.,  Feb.  3  to  9,  '65. 
Roache's  Plantation,  Miss.,  Mar.  31,'  64 
Roanoke,  Mo.,  Sept.  6,  '62. 
Roanoke  Island,  N.  C.,  Feb.  8,  '62. 
Roan's  Tanyard,  Mo.,  Jan.  8,  '62. 
Robertson's  Run,  Na.,  Oct.  10,  '63. 
Robertson's  Mills,  Miss.,  Oct.  17,  63. 
Robertson's  Tavern,  Va.,  Nov.  28,  '63. 
Rocheport,  Mo.,  June  1  and  18,  '63. 
Rock  Canon,  Nev.,  Feb.  15,  '66. 
Rock  Creek,  Dak.,  July  1,  '65. 
Rockford,  Tenn.,  Nov.  14,  '63. 
Rock  House,  W.  Va.,  Feb.  12,  '64. 
Rockingham,  N.  C.,  March  7,  '65. 
Rockport,  Ark. ,  March  25,  '64. 
Rockport,  Mo.,  Sept.  23,  '64. 
Rockville,  Md.,  Sept.  22,  1863. 
Rocky  Bluff,  Mo.,  Aug.  7,  '62. 
Rocky  Creek  Church,  Ga.,  Dec.  2,  '64. 
Rocky  Crossing,  Miss.,  June  20,  '63. 
Rocky  Face  Ridge,  Ga.,   Feb.  23  to  27, 

Mar.  5  to  9,  and  May  8  to  12.  '64. 
Rocky  Gap,  Ky.,  June  9,  '63. 
Rocky  Gap,  Va.,  Aug.  26,  '63. 
Rodgersville,  Tenu.,  Aug.  22,  '64. 
Rodney,    Miss.,    Dec.    17  and  24,   '63, 

March  4  and  Aug.  1,  '64. 
Rogersville,  Ala.,  May  13,  '62. 
Rogersville,  Tenn. ,  Nov.  6,  '63. 
Rolla,  Mo.,  Aug.  1  and  Nov.  1,  '64. 
Rolling  Fork,  Miss.,  Nov.  22,  '64. 
Rolling  Prairie,  Ark.,  Jan.   23  and  Feb. 

4,  '64. 

Rome,  Ga.,  May  17  and  18,  Oct.  13,  '64 
Rome  Crossroads,  Ga.,  May  16,  '64. 
Romney,  W.  Va.,  June  11,  Oct.  26,  '61. 
Rood  s  Hill,  Va.,  May  14,  Nov.  22,  '64. 
Rosecrans's  Tenn.    Campaign,    June  23 

to  30,  '63. 
Roseville,  Ark.,  Nov.  12,  '63,  March  29 

and  April  4,  5,  and  15,  64. 
Roseville  Creek,  Ark,  March  20,  '64. 
Ross  Landing,  Ark.,  Feb.  14,  64. 
Round  Away  Bayou,  La. ,  March  30,  '63 
Round  Hill,  Ark.,  July  7,  '62. 
Round  Hill,  Tenn.,  Aug.  28,  '62. 
Rousseau's  Campaign,    Tenn.,    June  23 

to  30,  63. 

Rover,  Tenn.,  Jan.  31,  June  23,  '63. 
Rowanty  Creek,  Na. ,  Feb.  5  and  7,  '65. 
Ruckersville,  Miss.,  Oct.  6.,  62. 
Rural  Hills,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '62. 


xxm 


Bush  Creek,  I.  T.,  Feb.  9.  '65. 
Russell's  House,  Miss.,  May  17,  '62. 
Bussellville,  Ky.,  July  29,  Sept.  30,  '62. 
Kussellville,  Mo.,  Oct.  9,  '64. 
'Bussellville,  Tenn.,  July  1,  '62. 
Butherf ord's  Creek,  Teuu. ,  Mar.  10,  '63 
Dec.  19,  '64. 


Sabine  Pass,  La.,  Sept.  8,  '63. 
Sacramento,  Ky.,  Dec.  28,  '61. 
Sacramento  Mountains,  N.  Mex.,  Aug. 

25,  '64;  July  1,  '65. 
Sage  Creek,  D.  T.,  April  21,  '65. 
Salem,  Miss.,  Oct.  8,  '63;  June  11,  '64. 
Salem,  Mo.,  Dec,  3,  '61;  July  6,  Aug.  9, 

'62. 

Salem,  N.  C.,  April  3,  '65. 
Salem,  Va.,  Nov.  5,  '62;  June  21,  '64. 
Salem  Cemetery,  Tenn.,  Dec.  18,  '62. 
Salem  Church,  Va.,  June  2.  '64. 
Salem  Pike,  Tenn.,  March  21,  '63. 
Salem  Heights,  Va.,  May  3  and  4,  '63. 
Salin,  I.  T.,  Dec.  2,  '62. 
Saline  County,  Mo.,  July  30,  '63. 
Saline  River,  Ark',  May  4,  '64;  May  — , 

'65. 
Salisbury,  Tenn  ,  Aug.  11,  '62;  Apr.  16, 

Dec.  3,  '63. 

Salkehatchie,  S.  C.,  Feb.  9,  '65. 
Salkehatchie  River,  S.  C.,  Feb.  6,  '65. 
Salt  Lick,  Va.,  Oct.  14,  '63. 
Salt  Springs,  Ga.,  Oct.  1,  '64. 
Saltville,  Va.,  Oct.  2,  Dec.  20,  '64. 
Salyersville,  Ky.,  Nov.  30,    63. 
Samaria  Church,  Va.,  June  15,  24,  '64. 
Sain  Jones  surrendered,  Fla.,  Ma}7  10. 

'65. 
San  Andres  Mountain,  N.  Mex.,  July  1, 

'65. 

San  Carlos  River,  Cal.,  May  27,  '64. 
Sand  Creek,  I.  T.,  Dec.  9,  '64. 
Sandersville,  Ga.,  Nov.  26,  '64. 
Sand  Mountain,  Ala.,  April 30,  '63;  Jan. 

27,  '65. 

Sandy  Swamp,  N.  C.,  Dec.  18,  '63. 
Sangster's  Station,  Va.,  Dec.  15,    63. 
Santa  Fe,  Mo.,  July  24  and  25,  '62. 
Santa  Rosa,  Fla.,  Oct.  9;  '61. 
Saratoga,  Ky.,  Oct.  26,  '61. 
Sartoria,  Miss. ,  June  4,  '63. 
Sauk  Centre,  Minn.,  Sept.   10,   '62. 
Saulsbury,  Miss.,  July  2,  '64. 
Saunders,  Fla.,  May  19,  '64. 
Savage's  Station,  Va.,  June  29,  '62. 
Savannah,  Ga.,  Dec.  10  to  21,  '64. 


Savannah,  Tenn.,  April  16,   '62. 
Scarytown,  W.    Va.,  Jj,ly  17,  '61. 
Scatterville.  Ark.,  July  10,  Aug.  3,  '62. 
Scottsborough,  Ala.,  Jan.  8,  '65. 
Scott's  Farm,  Ark.,  Feb.  12,  '64. 
Scott's  Ford,  Mo.,  Oct.  14,  '63. 
Scott's  Mills  Road.  Tenn.,   Jan.  27,  '64. 
Sccttsville,  Ala.,  April  2  and  3,  '65. 
Scrougesville,  Teun.,  Nov.  27,  '62. 
Scully ville,  I.  T.,  April  16,  '64. 
Seabrook's  Point,  S.  C.,  June  1,  '62. 
Searcy,  Ark.,  June  3,   July   4,    Sept.    6 

and  13,  '64. 

Searcy  Landing,  Ark.,  May  19,  '62. 
Secessionville,  S.  C.,  June  16,  '62;  July 

16,  '63. 
Section  37,  N.    &  N.  W.  R.  R.,  Teun., 

Nov.  24,  '64. 

Sedalia,  Mo.,  April  9,  '63.    Oct.  15,  '64 
Selma,  Ala.,  April  2,  '65. 
Senatobia,  Miss.,  Map  25,  '63. 
Seneca,  Md.,  June  11,   '63. 
Seneca  Station,  I.  T.,  Sept.  14,  '63. 
Seven  Days'  Battles,  Va.,    June   26   to 

July  1,  '62. 

Seven  Pines,  Va.,  May  31,    June  1,  '62. 
Shady  Springs,  W.  Va.,  Aug.  28,  '62. 
Shady  Springs,  W.  Va.,  July  14,  '63. 
Shanghai,  Mo.,  Sept  27,  Oct.  13,  '61. 
Shannon  Hill,  Va.,  May  4,  '63. 
Sharon,  Miss.,  Feb.  27,  '64. 
Sharpsburg,  Md.,  Sept.  17,  '62. 
Shawnee  Mound,  Mo.,  Dec.  18,  '61. 
Shawneetown,  Kans.,  June  6.,  '1.3. 
Shelbina,  Mo.,  Sept.  4,  '61. 
Shelburne,  Mo.,  Sept.  15,  '62. 
Shelby  Depot,  Tenn.,  Oct.  23.  '62. 
Shelby  ville,  Tenn.,  June  27,  '63. 
Shelby  ville  Pike,    Tenn.,   June   4   and 

Oct.  7,  '63. 

Shell's  Mills,  Ark,  Oct.  16,  '62. 
Shepherdstown,  W.   Va.,    Oct.,     1,'62; 

July  16,  '63 ;  Aug.  25,  '64. 
Shepherdsville,  Ky.,  Sept.  21,  '62. 
Sheridan's  Raid,  Va.,  May   9  to  13,  '63; 

Feb.  27  to  March  25,  '65. 
Sherwood,  Mo.,  May  18,   1863. 
Shiloh,  Tenn.,  April  6  and  7,  '62. 
Ship's  Gap,  Ga.,  Oct.  16,  '64. 
Shirley's  Ford,  Mo.,  Sept.  20,  '62. 
Shoal  Creek,  Ala.,  Nov.  9,  '64. 
Sibley's  Lauding,  Mo.,  Oct.  6,  '62. 
Silver  Creek,  Ala.,  Nov.  9,  '64. 
Silver  Creek,  Ga.,  Oct.  13,  '64. 
Silver  Lake,  Fla  ,  Feb.  20,  '64. 
Silver  Run,  N.  C.,  March  13,  '65. 


XXIV 


Simmsport,  La. ,  May  18,  Oct.  6,  '64. 
Simpson vilie,  Ky.,  Jan.  25,  '65. 
Sinking  Creek,  Va.,  Nov.  26,  '62. 
Sinkpole  Woods,  Mo.,  March  23,  '62. 
Sipsey  Swamp,  Ala.,  April  6,  '65. 
Six  Mile  Creek,  Ala.,  March  31,  '65. 
Six  Mile  House,  Va.,  Aug.  18  to  21,  '64. 
Skull  Valley,  A.  T.,  May  26,  '65. 
Slaughtervi'lle,  Ky.,  Sept.  3,  '62. 
Slaughter  Mountain,  Va,,  Aug.  9,  '62. 
Smithfield,  Ky.,  Jan.  5,  '65. 
Smithfield,  Va.,  Feb.    13,   Sept.  15,  '63; 

Feb.  1,  Apr.  14,  Aug.  25,  29,  30, '64 
Smithsbnrg,  Mel.,  July  4,  '63. 
Smith's  Farm,  N.  C.,  March  16,  '65. 
Smith's  Station,  I.  T.,  May  12,  '64. 
Smithville,  Ark.,  June  18,  '62. 
Smoky  Hill,  Col.,  May  16,  '64. 
Smoky  Hill  Crossing,  Kans.,  Aug.  16,  '64 
Smyrna,  Ga.,  July  2  to  5,  '64. 
Snaggy  Point,  La.,  May  3.  '64. 
Snake  Creek  Gap,    Ga.,    May  8  to  10, 

Oct.  15,  '64. 
Snia  Hills,  Mo.,  April  29  and  May  21, 

'64. 
Snicker's  Gap,    Va.,    Nov.    2,  '62;   July 

17,  '64. 

Snicker's  Gap  Pike,  Va.,  Aug.  19,  '64. 
Snicker's  Ferry,  Va.,  July  18,  '64. 
Snow  Hill,  Tenn.,  April  2,  3,   '63. 
Snyder's  Bluff,  Miss.,  April  30,  '63. 
Soldier's  Grove,  Cal.,  Sept.  26,  '64. 
Solomon's  Gap,  Md.,  July  7,  '64. 
Somerset,  Ky.,  March  30,  '63. 
Somerville,  Tenu.,  Jan.  3;  Mar.  29,  '63 
Somerville  Heights,  Va.,  May  7,  '62. 
South  Anna,  Va.,  June  26,   '63;  March 

15,  '65. 

So.  Br.  Edisto  River,  S.  C.,  Feb.  9, '65. 
South  Br.  Watonwau,  Minn.,  Apr.  16, '63 
South  Fork,  Fla.,  Feb.  9  and  10,  '64. 
South  Mills,  N.  C.,  April  19,  '62. 
South  Mountain,  Md.,  Sept.  14,  '62. 
South  Quay,  Va.,  April  17,  '63. 
South  Quay  Bridge,  Va.,  May  1,  '63. 
South  Tunnel,  Tenn.,  Oct.  10,  '64. 
South  Union,  Ky.,  May  13,  '63. 
Southwest  Creek,  N.  C.,  Dec.  13,  '62. 
Southwest  Mountain,  Va.,  Aug.  9,  '62. 
Spanish  Fork  Canon,  U.,  Apr.  15,  '63. 
Spanish  Fork,  Ala  ,    Mar.  26  to  Apr.  8, 

'65. 
Sparta,  Tenn.,  Aug.  4,  '62;  Aug.  9,  Nov. 

26,  '63. 

Sperryville,  Va.,  July  5,  '62. 
Spoonville,  Ark.,  April  2,  '64. 
Sporting  Hill,  Pa.,  June  30,    63. 


Spottsylvania,  Va.,  May  8  to  21,  '64. 
Spottsylvania  C.  H.,  Va.,  Apr.  30,  '63. 
Spring  Creek,  I.  T.,  June  6,  '63. 
Spring  Creek,  Mo.,  Aug.  23,  '62. 
Springfield,    Mo.,    Aug.  10,    Oct.  5,  20, 

'61 ;  Feb.  13,  '62 ;  Jan.  7,  8,  Dec.  16, 

'63. 

Springfield,  W.  Va.,  Feb.  3,  '64. 
Springfield  Landing,  La.,  July  2,  '63. 
Spring  Hill,  Mo.,  Oct.  27,  '61. 
Spring  Hill,  Tenn.,  Mar.  4,  5,  '63;  Nov. 

29,  '64. 
Spring  River,  Ark.,    Mar.  18,  '62;   Feb. 

9,  '64. 
Spring  River,  Mo.,  Sept.  1,  '62;  Feb.  19, 

'63. 

Standardsville,  Va.,  March  1,  '64. 
Stanford,  Ky.,  Oct.  14,  '62. 
State  Creek,  Ky.,  June  11,  '63. 
Statesboro,  Ga.,  Dec.  4,  '64. 
St.  Augustine,  Fla.,  Dec.  30,  '63. 
Staunton  Bridge,  Va.,  June  24,  '64. 
Staunton  Road,   Va.,  June  1  and  2,  '62. 
St.  Catherine's  Creek,  Miss.,  July  28, '63 
St.  Charles,  Ark.,  June  17,  '62 ;  June  25, 

and  29,  '64. 

Sterling's  Farm,  La.,  Sept.  12,  29,  '63. 
Steveusburgh,  Va.,  Nov.  7,  '63. 
Stevens' Gap,  Ga.,  Sept. 11,  '63. 
Stevenson,  Ala.,  Aug.  31,  '62. 
Stevenson's  Depot,  Va.,  July  20,  '64. 
Stewart's  Creek,    Tenn.,    Dec.  29,   '62, 

and  Jan.  1,  '63. 

St.  Francis  County,    Mo.,   April  8,  '63. 
St.  Francois  River,  Mo.,    April   30  and 

May  1,  '63. 

St.  George's  Creek,  Ohio,  July  19,  '63. 
St.  John's  River,  S.  C.,  May  23,  '64. 
St.  Louis,  Streets  of,  Mo.,  May  10,  '61. 
St.  Mary's  River,  Fla.,  Feb.  9,  10,    64. 
St.  Mary's  Trestle,  Fla.,  July  26,  '64. 
Stockade,  Stone  River,  Tenu.,  Oct.  5,  '63 
Stockton,  Mo.,  Aug.  9,  '62. 
Stone  River,  Tenn.,  Dec.  31,  '62,  to  Jan. 

3,  '63. 

Stone  Farm,  Ark,  April  5,  '64. 
Stone's  Ferry,  Ala.,  July  15,  '64. 
Stony  Creek,  Va.,  June  28,  '64. 
Stony  Creek  Station,  Va.,    May  7,  Oct. 

11  and  Dec.  1,  '64. 
Stony  Lake,  Dak.,  July  28,  '63. 
Stony  Point,  Ark.,  May  20,  '64. 
Strasburgh,  Va. ,    March  27,  June  1  and 

2,  62;  Oct.  9,  '64. 
Strasburgh   Road,    Va.,    Feb.    26,    and 

April  23,  '63. 
Strawberry  Plains,  Tenn.,  Jan.  10,  '64. 


XXV 


Strawberry  Plains,  Va.,  Aug.  14,  18,  '64 
St.  Stephen's,  S.  C.,  March  1,  '65. 
Stumptown,  Mo.,  Aug.  2,  '63. 
Sturgeon,  Mo..  Sept.  22,  '62. 
St.  Vraiu's  Old  Fort,  N.  Mex.,  Nov.  25, 

'64. 
Suffolk,  Va.,  Dec.  28,  '62;  Apr.  4,  May 

15  and  16,  '63;  March  9,    64. 
Sugar  Creek,  Ark.,  Oct.  17,  '62. 
Sugar  Creek,   Mo.,    Jan.  8,    Feb  17  and 

18,  '62. 
Sugar  Creek,    Tenn.,    Oct.  9,  '63;   Dec. 

25  and  26,  '64. 

Sugar  Loaf  Battery,  N.  C.,  Feb.  11,  '65. 
Sugar  Loaf  Hill,  N.  C.,  Jan.  19,  '65. 
Sugar  Loaf  Mountain,  Md.,  Sept.  10,  '62 
Sugar  Valley,  Ga.,  May  13  to  16,  '64. 
Sulphur  Branch  Trestle,  Ala.,  Sept.  25, 

'64. 

Sulphur  Springs,  Ala.,  Jan.  25,  '64. 
Sulphur  Springs,  Va.,  Aug.  25,  '62. 
Sulphur  Springs  Bridge,  Va.,  Aug.  11, 

'64. 

Summerville,  Miss.,  Nov.  26,  '62. 
Summerville,  Tenn.,  Dec.  24 and  25,  '63. 
Summerville,  Va.,  Feb.  9,  '63. 
Summerville,  W.  Va.,  Aug.  26,  '61. 
Summit  Point,  Va.,  Aug.  21,  '64. 
Sumterville,  S.  C.,  Mar.  23,  Apr.  9,  '65. 
Sunnyside  Landing,  Ark.,  June  7,  '64. 
Supply  Train,  Tenu.,  Oct.  23,  '63. 
Suttou,  Va.,  Sept.  23,  '62. 
Suwano  Gap,  N.  C.,  April  23,  '65. 
Swallow's  Bluff,  Tenu.,  Sept.  30,  '63. 
Swan  Lake,  Ark.,  April  23,  '64. 
Swan's  Quarter,  N.  C.,  March  4,  '63. 
Sweetwater,  Ga.,  Oct.  1  to  3,  '64. 
Sweetwater,  Tenn.,  Oct.  24,  '63. 
Swift  Creek,  S.  C.,  April  19,  '65. 
Swift  Creek,  Va.,  May  8  to  10,  '64. 
Swift  Creek  Bridge,  N.  C.,  June  27,  '62. 
Switzer's  Mill,  Mo.,  Aug.  10,  '62. 
Sycamore  Church,  Va.,  Aug.  3,  '62 ;  Sept. 

16,  '64. 

Sykestown,  Mo.,  March  1,  '62. 
Sylamore,  Ark.,  May  28  and  29,  '62. 
Sylvan  Grove,  Ga.,  Nov.  26,  '64. 
Syracuse,  Mo.,  Oct.  14,  '63. 


Taberville,  Ark.,  Aug.  11,  '62. 
Taberviile,  Mo.,  Aug.  2,  '62. 
Table  Mountain,  Nev.,  May  20,  '65 
Tabourville,  Ark.,  July  20,  '52. 
Tah-kah-o-kuty,  Dak.',  July  28,  '64. 
Tahlequah,  I.  T.,  March  30,  '63. 
Talbot's  Ferry,  Ark.,  April  19,  '62. 


I  Talbot's  Station,  Tenn.,  Dec.  29,  '63. 
Tallahatchie,  Fla.,  June  18,  '62. 
Tallahatchie  Kiver,    Miss.,    Aug.  7  to  9, 

'64. 

Talladega,  Ala. ,  April  22,  '65. 
Tanners  Bridge,  Ga.,  May  15,  '64. 
Taylor's  Bridge,  Va.,   May  25  to  27,  '64. 
Taylor's  Ford,  Tenn.,  Nov.  10,  '61. 
Taylor's  Hole  Creek,  March  15,  '65. 
Taylor's  Eidge,  Ga,,  Nov.  27,  '63. 
Taylor  surrendered,  May  4,  '65. 
Taylorsville,  Ky.,  April  18,  '65. 
Taylorsville,  Va.,  Feb.  29,  '64. 
Tazewell,  Tenn.,    Aug.  6,   '62;   Jan.  24, 

'64. 

Tebb's  Bend,  Ky.,  July  4,  '63. 
Ten  Islands,  Ala.,  July  14,  '64. 
Ten  miles  from  Columbus,  Ky.,  Jan.  18, 

'65. 

Terre  Noir  Creek,  Ark.,  April  2,  '64. 
Terrisville,  Teim.,  Jan.  14,  '64. 
Texas  County,  Mo.,  Sept.  12,  '63. 
The  Cedars,  Tenn.,  Dec.  5  to  8,  '64. 
The  Island,  Mo.,  March  30,  '63. 
The  Orchards,  Va,,  June  25,  '62. 
Thibodeauxville,  La.,  Oct.  27,  '62. 
Thomas  Place.  Cal.,  June  28,  '64. 
Thomas  Eanche,  Cal.,  Nov.  12,  '63. 
Thomas  Station,  Ga.,  Nov.  27  to  29.  Dec. 

3,  '64. 

Thompson  Cove,  Tenn.,  Oct.  3,  '63. 
Thompson's  Station,  Teun.,  March  4  and 

5,  '63. 

Thornburg,  Va.,  Aug.  6,  '62. 
Thorn  Hill,  Ala.,  Jan.  3,  ?65. 
Thoroughfare  Gap,  Va.,  Apr.  2,  Oct.  17, 

and  Nov.  5,  '62. 

Tickfaw  Eiver,  Miss.,  May  1,  '63. 
Tillafmny  Kiver,  S.  C.,  Dec.  6  to  9,  '64. 
Tilton,  Ga.,  Oct.  13,  '64. 
Tilton,  Tenn.,  May  13,  '64. 
Timber  Hill,  I.  T.,  Nov.  19,  '64. 
Tobbert's  Ferry,  Ark.,  March  20,  '65. 
Tobosofkee,  Ga.,  April  20,  '65. 
Todd's  Tavern,  Va.,  May  8,  '64. 
Totopotomoy,  Va.,  May  28  to  31,  '64. 
Tompkinsville,  Ky.,  July  9,   '62;  April 

23,  '63. 

Tom's  Brook,  Va.,  Oct.  9,  '64. 
Tongue  Eiver.  Dak.,  Aug.  29,  '65. 
Toon's  Station,  Tenu.,  Aug.  31,  '62. 
Torpedo  explosion,  N.  C.,  May  26,  '64. 
Town  Creek,  Ala.,  April  27  and  28,  '63. 
Town  Creek,  N.  C.,  Feb.  20,  '65. 
Township,  Fla.,  Jim.  26,  '63. 
Tracy  City,  Tenn.,  Jan.  20,  '64. 
Training  Post,  Ark.,  Oct.  24,  '64. 


XXVI 


Tranter's  Creek,  N.  C.,  June  5,  '62. 
Treadwell's  Plantation,   Miss.,  Oct.  20, 

'63. 

Trenton,  Ark.,  Oct.  14,  '62. 
Trenton,  N.  C.,  Dec.  12,  '62. 
Trenton,  Tenn.,  Aug.  7,  Dec.  20,  '62. 
Trenton  Bridge,  N.  C.,  May  14,  '62. 
Trevillian  Station,  Va.,  June  11,  12,  '64. 
Trinity,  Ala,,  July  24,  '62. 
Trinity  Kiver,  Cal.,  Nov.  13,  '63. 
Trion,  Ala.,  April  1,  '65. 
Triplet's  Bridge,  Ky.,  June  16,  '63. 
Triune,  Tenn.,  June  9,  '63. 
Try  Mountain,  Ky.,  Nov.  9,  '61. 
Tule  Rosa  Valley,  Cal.,  Feb  26,  '63. 
Tulip,  Ark.,  Oct.  10,  '63. 
Tullahoma,  Tenn.,  July  1,  '63. 
Tunnel  Hill,  Ga.,  Jan.  28,  Feb.  25  to  27, 

May  7,  '64. 

Tunnel  Hill,  Miss.,  Feb.  13,  '64. 
Tunnel  Mountain,  Miss.,  Feb.  7,  '64. 
Tunstall  Station,  Va.,  June  14,  '62;  May 

4,  '63 ;  March  3,  '64. 

Tupelo,  Miss.,  May  6,  '63;  July  13  to  15 

and  25,  '64. 

Turkey  Bend,  Va.,  June  30,  '62. 
Turkey  Island  Bridge,  Va.,  July  20,  '62. 
Turman's  Ferry,  Ky.,  Jan.  9,  '64. 
Turnback  Creek,  Mo.,  April  26,  '63. 
Turner's  Gap,  Md.,  Sept.  14,  '62. 
Tuscahoma,  Miss.,  May  15,  '63. 
Tuscaloosa,  Ala.,  April  4,  '65. 
Tuscumbia,  Ala, ,  Feb.  22,  Apr.  24,  Oct. 

24  to  27,  '63. 

Tuscuinbia,  Miss.,  May  30,  '62. 
Tuscumbia  Creek,  Miss. ,  May  30,  Oct. 

5,  '62. 

Tuscumbia  River,  Ala.,  Oct.  5,  '62. 

Two  Hills,  Dak.,  Aug.  8,  '64. 

Tyree  Springs,  Tenn.,  Nov.  7  and  8,  '62. 

u 

Union,  Miss.,  Feb.  21  and  22,  '64. 

Union,  Va.,  Nov.  3,  '62. 

Union  Church,  Miss.,  April  28,  '63. 

Union  Church,  Va.,  June  8,  '62. 

Union  City,  Ky.,  March  24,  '64. 

Union  City,  Teun.,    Mar.  30,  '62;  July 

10,  Nov.  19,  '63. 
Union  Mills,  Mo.,  Aug.  20  '62. 
Union  Station,  Tenn.,  Nov.  1  to  4,  '64, 
Unionville,  Tenn.,  Mar.  4  and  5,  '63. 
University  Place,  Tenn.,  July  4,  '63. 
Upper  Missouri  River,  Ark.,  Oct.  10,  '62. 
Upperville,  Va.,  Nov.  3,  '62;  June  21  and 

Sept.  25,  '63. 
Upton  Hill,  Va.,  Oct    12,  '61. 


Utoy  Creek,  Ga.,  Aug.  5  and  6,  '64. 
V 

Vache  Grass,  Ark.,  Sept.  26,  '64. 
Valley  Station,  Col.,  Jan.  15,  '65. 
Valverde,  N.  Mex.,  Feb.  21,  '62. 
Van  Buren,  Ark.,  Dec.  21,  28,  '62;  Aug. 

12,  '64. 

Van  Buren  County,  Ark.,  Mar.  25,  '64. 
Vance's  Store,  Ark.,  Oct.  2,  '63. 
Van  Wert,  Ga.,  Oct.  10,  '64. 
Varnell's  Station,  Ga.,  May  7  and  9,  '64. 
Vaughan  Road,  Va.,  Feb.  5  to  7,  '65. 
Vaughan,  Miss.,  May  12,  '64. 
Vaught's  Hill,  Tenn.,  March  20,  '63. 
Vera  Cruz,  Ark.,  Nov.  3,  '64. 
Vermilion  Bayou,  La.,  Apr.  17,  Oct.  10, 

and  Nov.  30,  '63. 
Verona,  Ind.,  July  12,  '63. 
Verona,  Miss.,  Dec.  25,  '64. 
Vicksburg,  Miss.,  May  18  to  July  4,  Aug. 

27,  '63;  Feb.  13,  July  4,  '64. 
Vidalia,  La.,  Sept.  14,  '63;  Feb.  7,  July 

22,  '64. 
Vienna,  Va.,  June  17,  Dec   3,  '61;  Sept. 

2,  '62. 

Village  Creek,  Ark.,  June  27,  '62. 
Vincent's  Crossroads,  Miss.,  Oct.  26,  '63. 
Vinegar  Hill,  S.  C.,  Aug.  26,  '63. 
Vin  ng  Station,  Va.,  July  2  to  5,  '64. 

w 

Wachita  Indian  Agency,  Tex.,  Feb.  10, 

'63. 

Waddell's  Farm,  Ark.,  June  12,  27,  '62. 
Wadesburg,  Mo.,  Dec.  24,  '61. 
Waldron,  Ark.,    Sept.  11,    Oct.  6,    Dec. 

30,  '63;  Feb.  1,  '64. 
Walker's  Ford,  W.  Va.,  Dec.  2,  '63. 
Walkersville,  Mo.,  April  2  and  14,  '62. 
Wallace's  Ferry,  Ark.,  July  26,  '64, 
Wall  Bridge,  Va.,  May  5,  '64. 
Wall  Hill,1  Miss.,  Feb.  12,  '64. 
Walnut  Creek,  Mo.,  Aug.  8,  '62. 
Walnut  Grove  Church,  Ga.,  June  24.  '63. 
Walthal,  Va.,  June  16,  '64. 
Wappiug  Heights,  Va.,  July  23,  '63. 
Wardensville,  Va.,  May  28,  '62. 
Warm  Springs,  N.  Mex.,  June  20,  '63. 
Warm  Springs,  N.  C.,  Nov.  26,  '63. 
Warm  Springs,  Tenn.,  Aug.  19,  '63. 
Warrensburg,  Mo.,  Oct.  18,  '61 ;  Mar,  26, 

28,  Apr.  8,  June  17,  '62;  May  28, 
'64. 

Warrenton  Junction,  Va.,  Sept.  26,  '62; 

May  3  and  14,  '63. 
Warrenton  Springs,  Va.,  Oct.  12,  13,  '63. 


XXY11 


Warsaw,  Mo.,  Oct.  16,  '61;  Apr.  8,  17, 

28,  '62;  Oct.  8,  '63. 
Warsaw,  N.  C.,  April  6,  '65. 
Wartrace,  Term.,  Oct.  5,  '63. 
Washington,  N.  C.,  Sept.  6,  '62;  March 

30  to  Apr.  4,  Nov.  1,  '63. 
Waterford,  Miss.,    Nov.  29  and  30,    '62; 

Aug.  16  and  17,  '64. 
Waterford,  Va.,  Aug.  7,  '63. 
Waterloo,  La.,  Oct.  20,  '64. 
Waterloo  Bridge,  Va.,  Aug.  23,  '62. 
Water  Proof,  La.,  Nov.  21,  '63;  Feb.  14, 

15,  Apr.  20,  '64. 

Water  Valley,  Miss.,  Dec.  4,  '62. 
WTaugh's  Farm,  Ark.,  Feb.  19,  '64. 
WTauhatchie,  Tenn.,  Oct.  27,  '63. 
Wautauga  Bridge,  Tenn.,  Dec.  30,  '62; 

Apr.  25  and  26,  '64. 
Waverly,  Tenn.,   Oct.  23,  '62;  April  10, 

'63. 

Wayne  County,  Mo.,  April  26,  '64. 
Wayne  C.  H.,  W.  Va.,  Aug.  27.  '61. 
Waynesboro'  Ga.,  Nov.  27"  to  29,  Dec.  4, 

'64. 
Waynesboro',  Va.,  Sept.  28,  Oct.  2,  '64; 

March  2,  '65. 

Waynesville,  Mo.,  Aug.  25,  '63. 
Weaver's  Store,  Ky. ,  April  28,  '63. 
Webber's  Falls,  I.  T.,  Apr.  11,  26,  Sept. 

9,  Oct.  12,  '63. 
Welaka,  Fla.,  May  19,  '64. 
Weldon  Railroad,  Va.,  June  22  and  23, 

Aug.  18  to  22,  '64. 
Weldon  E.  E.  expedition,  Va.,  Dec.  7  to 

11,  '64. 

Wellington,  Mo.,  July  8,  '64. 
Wentzville,  Mo.,  July  15  to  17,  '61. 
West  Branch,  Va.,  April  14,  '63. 
West  Liberty,  Ky.,  Oct.  23,  '61. 
Westminster,  Md.,  June  29,  '63. 
Weston,  W.  Va.,  Aug.  31,  '62. 
West  Plains,  Mo.,  Feb.  18,  '62. 
West  Point,  Ark.,  Aug.  14,  '63;  June  16, 

July  28,  Aug.  5,  '64. 
West  Point,  Ga.,  April  16,  '65. 
West  Point,  Miss.,  Feb.  21,  '64. 
West  Point,  Mo.,  Oct.  — ,  '61;  Aug.  14, 

'63;  Oct.  26,  '64. 

West  Point,  Va.,  May  7  and  8,  '62. 
West  Point  E.  E.,  Ga.,  July  18,  '64. 
Westport,  Mo.,  June  17,  '63;  Oct.  23,  '64. 
Westprairie,  Mo.,  July  23,  '62. 
Weyer's  Cave,  Va.,  Sept.  27,  '64. 
Whiphy,  S.  C.,  Feb.  — ,  '65. 
Whistler's  Station,  Ala.,  April  13,  '65. 
White  County,  Ark.,  Feb.  9,  '(54. 
White  County,  Tenn.,  Jan.  16,  '64. 


Whitehall,  N.  C.,  Dec.  16,  '62. 
White  House,  Va.,  June  20,  '64. 
White  House  Landing,  Va. ,  June  21,  '64. 
White  Mountains,  Dak.,  Nov.  25,  '62. 
White  Oak  Creek,  Ark.,  Apr.  14,  Aug. 

11,  '64. 

White  Oak  Eidge,  Ky.,  Aug.  19,  '62. 
White  Oak  Eoad,  Va.,  March  31,  '65. 
White  Oak  Swamp  Bridge,  Va.,  Aug.  4, 

'62 ;  June  13,  '64. 
White  Post,  Va.,  June  13,  Aug.  11,  Dec. 

6,  '64. 
White  Eiver,  Ark.,  May  6,  '62  ;  Apr.  26, 

'63;  June  22,  24,  Oct.  22,  '64. 
White  Eiver,  Mo.,  Aug.  4,  '62;  Apr.  17, 

'63. 

White  Eiver,  Dak.,  June  17,  '65. 
White  Sulphur  Springs,    Va.,    Nov.    15, 

'62 ;  Oct.  12  and  13,  '63. 
White's  Bridge,  Va.,  May  9,  '64. 
White  s  Ford,  Va.,  Sept  21,  '63. 
Whiteside,  Fla.,  July  27,  '64. 
White  Stone  Hill,  Dak. ,  Sept.  3  to  5,  '63 
White  Water,  Mo.,  Apr  24,  '63. 
Whitlen's  Mill,  Ark.,  Oct.  8,  '64. 
Whittaker's  Mills,  Va.,  April  11,  '63. 
Wier  Bottom  Church,  Va.,  May  12  to  16, 

June  16,  '64. 

Wild  Cat,  Ky.,  Oct.  21,  '61. 
Wilderness,  Va.,  May  5  to  7,  '64. 
Wilcox's  Bridge,  N.  C.,  Mar.  8  to  10,  '65. 
Wiliston,  S.  C.,  Feb.  8,  '65. 
Williams  Bridge,  La.,  June  27,  '62. 
Williamsburg,  Ky.,  Oct.  28,  '62. 
Williamsburg,  Va.,  May  5,  July  11,  and 

Sept.  9,   '62;  Feb.  7,  Mar.   29,   '63; 

March  4,   '64. 

Williamsburg  Eoad,  Va.,  June  18,  '62. 
Williamsport,  Md.,  Sept.  20,  '62;  July  6, 

'63. 

Williamsport,  Tenn.,  Aug.  11,  '62. 
Willicomack,  Va.,  April  3,  '65. 
Willis'  Church,  Va.,  June  29,  '62. 
Willmarsh  Island,  S.  C.,  Feb.  22,  '64. 
Willow  Creek,  Cai.,  Nov.  17,  '63. 
Wilmington,  N.  C.,  Feb.  22,  '65. 
Wilmington  Island,  Ga.,  April  16,  '62. 
Wilson's  Creek,  Ky.,  June  13,  '63. 
Wilson's  Farm,  La.,  April  7,  '64. 
Wilson's  Landing,  Va.,  June  11,  '64. 
Wilson's  Wharf  Landing,   Va.,    May  24, 

'64. 
Winchester,  Va.,  Mar.  23,  May  25,  '62; 

May  19,  June  13,   15,  '63;' July  20, 

24,  Aug.  17,  Sept.  19,  '64. 
Wiremau's  Shoals,  Ky.,  Dec.  4,  '62. 
Wirt  Court  House,  W.  Va.,  Nov.  19,  '61. 


XXV111 


Wittsburgh,  Ark.,  June  6,  '64. 
Wolf  Creek,  Bridge,  Miss.,  Sept.  23,  '62. 
Wolf  River,  Term.,  April  8,  '64. 
Wolf  Kiver  Bridge,  Miss.,  Dec.  4,  '63. 
Woodbury,  Ky.,  Oct.  29,  '61. 
Woodbury,  Term.,  Jan.  24,  Apr.  2,  3, '63. 
Wood  Creek,  Mo.,  Jan.  11,  '63. 
Wood  Lake,  Minn.,  Sept.  23,  '62. 
Woodsonville,  Ky.,  Dec.  17,  '61. 
Woodstock,  Va.,  Sept.  23,  Oct.  9,  '64. 
Woodville,  Miss.,  Oct.  6,  '64. 
Woodville,  Temi.,  Oct.  21,  '62. 
Wormley's  Gap,  Va.,  Aug.  29,  '64. 
Worthington,  W.  Va.,  Sept.  2,  '61. 
Wright  County,  Mo.,  July  22,  '64. 
Wyatts,  Miss.,  Oct.  13,  '63;  Feb.  5,  '64. 
Wyerman's  Mills,  Tenn.,  Feb.  22,  '64. 
Wyoming  C.  H.,  W.  Va.,  Aug.  — ,  '62. 
Wytheville,  Va.,  July  18,  '63;  Dec.  16, 
'64;  AprU3,  '65. 


Yate's  Ford,  Ky.,  Aug.  31,  '62. 

Yazoo  City,  Miss.,  July  13,  Sept.  27,  Oct. 

31,  '63;  Mar.  5,  May  13,  Dec.  1,  '64; 

March  15,  '65. 
Yazoo  City  expedition,   Miss.,    May  4  to 

13,  '64. 

Yazoo  expedition,  Miss.,  Feb.  28,  '64. 
Yazoo  Pass,  Miss.,  Feb.  16  to  20,  '63. 
Yellow  Bayou,  La.,  May  10,  18,  19,  '64. 
Yellow  Tavern,  Va.,  May  11,  Oct.  1  to  5, 

'64. 

Yellville,  Ark.,  June 25,  '62;  Mar.  — ,  '63. 
Yemasse,  S.  C.,  Oct.  22,  '62. 
Yorktown,  Va.,  April  5  to  May  4,  '62. 
Young's  Crossroads,  N.  C.,  July  26,  '62. 


Zollicoffer,  Tenn.,  Sept.  24,  '63. 
Zuni,  Va.,  Dec.  12,  '62 


Apalachicola  River,  Fla.,  Oct.  15,  '62. 
Aquia  Creek  Batteries,  Va.,  Mar.  16,  '62. 
Attempt  to  distroy  rebel  ram  Arkansas, 

July  15,  '62. 
Bayou  Teche,  La.,  Nov.  3,  '62;  Jan.  14, 

'63. 
Bombardment  of   Fort  Sumter,    S.    C., 

April  7,  '63. 
Burning  of   Royal  Yacht,  Tex.,  Nov.  7, 

'61. 

Bute  La  Rose,  La. .  April  20,  '63 
Cape  Fear  River,  N.  C.,  Oct.  11,  '62. 
Capture  of  Atlanta,  Ga.,  June  17,  '63. 
Chuckatuck,  Va.,  April  23,  '63. 
Cobb's  Point,  N.  C. ,  Feb.  10,  '62. 
Coggin's  Point,  Va.,  July  31,  '62. 
Cypress  Bend,  Miss.,  June  22,  '63. 
Destruction  of  two  blockade  runners  in 

Tampa  Bay,  Oct.  17,  '63. 
Dunn's  Bayou,  La.,  May  5,  '64. 
Duvall's  Bluff ,  Ark.,  Jan.  16,  '63. 
Empress,  U.  S.  steamer,  Miss.,  Aug.  10, 

'64. 
Expedition  up  Yazoo  River,  Miss.,  Feb. 

1  to  March  8,  '64. 
Fort  Anderson,  N.  C.,  Feb.  18,  '65. 
Fort  Darling,  Va.,  May  15,  '62. 
Fort  De  Russy,  La.,  March  14,  '64. 
Fort  Fisher,  N.  C.,  Dec.  25,  '64;  Jan.  13 

to  15,  '65. 

Fort  Gaines,  Ala.,  Aug.  2  to  23,  '64. 
Fort  Herman,  Tenn.,  Oct.  28,  '64. 


Fort  Macon,  N.  C.,  April  25,  '62. 
Fort  McAlister,  Ga.,  Feb.  1,  Mar.  3,  '63. 
Fort  Morgan,  Ala.,  Aug.  5  to  23,  '64. 
Fort  Pemberton,  Miss.,  Mar.  13  to  Apr. 

5,  '63. 
Fort  Pillow,    Tenn.,    Apr.   14,    May  10, 

June  4,  '62. 

Fort  Wright,  Tenn.,  June  4,  '62. 
Forts  Jackson  and  Saint  Philip,  La. ,  Apr. 

18  to  28,  '62. 

Galveston,  Tex.,  Jan.  1,  '63. 
Gordon's  L'd'g,  Red  River,  Feb.  14,  '63. 
Hampton  Roads,  Va.,  March  9,  '62. 
Harrisonburg,  La.,  March  2,  '64. 
Hatteras  and  Alabama,  off  Tex.,  Jan.  11, 

'63. 

Island  No.  10,  Tenn.,  April  8,  '62. 
James  River,  Va.,  May  6,  June  21,  '64. 
Judah,  rebel  ram,  destroyed,  Fla.,  Sept. 

14,  '61. 
Kearsarge  and  Alabama,  off  Cherbourg, 

France,  June  19,  '64. 
Legarsville,  S.  C.,  Dec.  25,  '63. 
Little  Rock  Landing,  Tenn.,  Apr.  24,  '63. 
Loss  of  Housatonic,   Charleston,  S.  C., 

Feb.  17,  '64. 

Matagorda  Bay,  Tex.,  Dec.  29,  30,  '63. 
Mississippi    River,     below     Vicksburg, 

Miss.,  Feb.  24,  '63. 
Mosquito  Inlet,  Fla.,  March  21,  '62. 
Night  attack  on  Fort  Sumter,  S.  C.,  Sept. 

8,  '63. 


XXIX 


OS  Charleston  Bar,  S.  C.,  Jan.  31,  '63. 
Pattersoiiville,  La.,  March  28,  '63. 
Pittsburg  Lauding,  Tenn.,  March  2,  '62. 
Plymouth,  N.  C.,  Oct.  31,  '64. 
Port  Hudson,  La.,  March  14,  '63. 
Rain  Albemarle,  N.  C.,  May  5,  '64. 
Red  River,  La.,  April  26,  '64. 
Running  the  Vicksburg  batteries,   Miss., 
April  16,  '63. 


:  Sabine  Pass,  La.,  Sept.  8,  '63. 
;  Sabine  Pass,  Tex.,  April  18,  '63. 
Siege  of  Port  Hudson,  La.,  May  27  to 

'  July  9,  '63. 
Siege  of  Vicksburg,  Miss.,  May  18  to  July 

4,  '63. 

;  Vicksburg,  Miss  ,  June  26  to  29,  '62. 
I  Yazoo  City,  Miss.,  July  13,  '63. 


INDEX  TO  SUBJECTS,  ILLUSTRATIONS,  ETC. 


Akin,  Assist.  Surgeon  W 293 

Portrait. .      293 

Altoona 46 

Alexander,  Wm 60 

Allen's  Farm 15 

Annapolis 37 

Antietam 36 

Armstrong,  Capt.  S.  C.  . .  .136,  165,  173 
Portrait  ....      137 

Army,  Number  in 297 

Atlanta 253 

Auburn 155 

"       Illustration 155 

Babcock,  Capt.  Geo.  W 247 

Ball,  Quartermaster  L.  C 73 

Baltimore  Riot 3 

Barlow,  Chaplain 22,  74 

Anecdote 37 

"       Portrait 81 

Barto,  Lieut.  Benj.  G 193 

"  "  "     Portrait  ....      192 

Barnes,  Lieut.  E.  N 208 

Bates,  Lieut.  Chas ' '      264 

Battle,  its  Marks 295 

Beaver  Dam 15 

Blackberry  Camp 149 

Blackburn's  Ford 162 

Blair.  Lieut.  W.,  Portrait 262,  263 

Bloody  Angle,  Illustration 207 

Bounds,  John  W 187 

Bolton,  Wm.,  Portrait — Group.  .  .  .     246  [ 
Brainerd,  Lieut.  David  H 270 

"  "  "     Portrait.  .      272 

Bristoe,  Illustration 157 

Brownell,  F.  E 4 

Brown,  John 25 

Bryan,  Lieut.  Geo.  A.,  Portrait.  .  .  .     223 

Butler,  Gen.  B.  F 4 

Bull  Run 5,  73 

"         Picture  of 6 

Burnside,  Gen 52 

Bush,  Major  James  C 73 

Buford,  General 93 

Burns,  John  L.,  Portrait 96 

Burke,   Michael 210 

Burksville 301 

Carr,  Gen.  Jos.  B 2,  15 

Crandell,  Col.  Levin,  17,  18,  34,  142,  182, 
192,  215,  235,  243,  254 

Camp  Chase 49 

Camp  Routine 58 

Cedar  Mountain 152 

Centreville,  Illustration 57,  76 

Cemetery  Hill 102,  112 

"         "     Assault 133 


Cemetery  Hill,  Illustration 135 

"          "     Position  of  Regiment  138 

Chamberlin,  Capt.  Frank 233 

"     Portrait..  333 

Chancellorsville 71 

Charge  of  I25th 105,  in 

"         "      Picture in 

Chattanooga 179 

Chapel,  Log 188 

Chicago 38 

Chickamauga 164 

Christian  Commission 294 

Cleminshaw,  Lieut.  Sherman 193 

Portrait 193 

Cleminshaw,  Lieut.  Chas 209 

"          Portrait 210 

Clapp,  Lieutenant  E.  S.  P 208,  209 

Clark,  Harrison ,  113,  138,  201 

"          "       Portrait 201 

Clarkson,  Capt.  Francis,  Portrait.  .  263 

Corinth 48 

Coleman,  H.  I).,  Portrait 142 

Cooper,  Surgeon  Wm.  S i°7>  290 

"        Portrait.  .  291 

Cold  Harbor,  Picture 215 

Map 216 

Coleman.  Lieut.  I.  D.  W 223 

Portrait..  224 

Crandell,  Captain  L.  H 214 

"     Portrait.  .  .  .  214 

Churchill,  Lieut.  Lee 141,  158,  227 

"          "   Portrait 141 

Clum,  Capt.  Henry  M.,  Portrait..  250 

Gulp's  Hill,  131,  Picture 132 

Departure  from  Troy 19 

Devil's  Den,  Picture 104 

DeFreest,  John  W 138 

Demers,   Eugene  L 140 

Deep  Bottom 236 

Deep  Bottom,  Pontoon  Bridge  at.  .  237 

Dimond,  Captain   Wm 75 

Portrait.  ...  83 

Donelson,  Fort 9 

Douglas,    Camp 39 

Drum  Corps.  ..." 58 

Earthworks,  Behind,    Illustration..  251 

Egolf,  Captain  Joseph 243 

"              "      Portrait 244 

Ellis,  A.   H 38 

Ellsworth's  Zouaves 1,3 

Engagements,   Number 297 

Evans,  Wm.  H 264 

Examining  Board 56 

Executions,   Military 152 

Fair  Oaks 14 


INDEX. 


Fairfax  Court  House 55 

Farmville 285 

Facts,    General 296 

First  Corps 94 

Ford,  Col.  T.  II 28,  36 

Force,  Lieut.  J.  F 169 

Franklin,  Battle  of 253 

Fredericksburg 51 

Gettysburg  Campaign 77 

Start  for 85 

Maps 86,   89,  91 

March  to, 86 

Field 90,  92 

Battle,  first  day 94 

"        second  day 103 

"       third  day 129 

"         Losses 142 

German,  Chas.  R 202 

Gibbs,   Philip 64 

Gillies,  Lieut.  Donald 141 

Glendale 15 

Grant,  Gen. .  : 9,  217 

"        "      Portrait 195 

Green,  Lieut.  E.   L 232 

Green,  Commissary  Josiah  Jr 241 

Portrait.  .      241 

Griswold,  John  A 2,  16,  17 

Halleck,  Camp 16 

Harper's  Ferry 25 

Map,  rebel  movements  24 

'     Picture 26 

'     Battlefield 27 

'     Battle 30 

'     Surrender 32 

'     Loss  at 35 

Hakes,  Captain  \V.  H,.  233,  Portrait  234 

Hartshorn,  Capt.  E.   A 72,  79 

"     Portrait....        80 
Hagadorn,  Lieut.  David  Portrait.  .        82 

Hancock,  Gen.  W.  S.  Portrait 97 

Haskell,  Lieut.  Harry  L 158 

Halon,  Capt.  Wm.,    Portrait 160 

Hagadorn,  Lieut.  Wm.  P.,  Portrait,    161 

Hays,  Gen.  Alex.,  Portrait 191 

Hatch,  Adjutant  Jas.  H 274 

"  "          Portrait.  .      275 

Hatcher's  Run 277 

Herring,  Lieut  Henry  E.,  Portrait.     264 

High  Bridge 285 

Howard,  Gen.  O.  0 92,  96 

Houch,  Jacob 165 

Hospital  Service 294 

Home,  Return 301 

Hull,  Lieut.  E.  B., 82,  218,  231 

"  "  Portrait 232 

Hyde,  Lieut.  Col.  Jos.,  72,  243,  261,  262 

Island    No.  10 o 

luka 48 


Jackson,  Stonewall 22,  35,  71 

Jackson,  Capt.  Edward  C. ,  Portrait     265 

Jenkins,  George  W 57,  65 

Portrait 66 

Jerusalem  Plank  Road,  June  22.  ..      228 

Jones,  Capt.   E.   P 209 

Keleher,  Wm. ,  Portrait 276 

Larkins,  Michael 60 

Lee's  Order 23 

Lee,  Gen 26,  99 

Lemon,  Rev.  J.  S. ,  Letter 67,  70 

Lemon,  Capt.  George.   E.    78,   154,   159, 

200,259 

Libby  Prison,  Picture   186 

Lincoln,  Abraham 289 

Locust  Grove 181 

Logan,  General 260 

Losses  of  War 298 

Losses  of  Regiment 300 

Lyon,   General 5 

Malvern  Hill 16 

Main,  Chas.  II.,  1st  Recruit 16 

Manassas 17 

Martinsburg 21 

Mattison,  Lieut.  M.  V.  B 268 

"  "  "        Portrait.      269 

Materials  of  War,  Amount  of 301 

McLean  House,   Picture 286 

McDougall,  Col.  C.  D 63 

McClellan,  Gen 5,  8,  n,  24,  29 

Meade,  Gen 87,  101,155 

"  Hd.  Qrs.,  Gettysburg..      130 

Merchant,  George 245 

Miles,  Col.  D.  H 28,  32 

Miller,  Adjutant  Merritt  B 136,  229 

"  "  "  Portrait.     230 

Mine  Run,  Map   180 

"          "    Abatis 184 

"         "    Prisoners 185 

Monitor 1 1 

Moody,  Dwight  L 46 

Morey,  Captain,  F.  A.  203,  Portrait,  203 

Morton's  Ford 190 

Morton,  Capt.  Fred.  A.    Portrait..      203 

Murfreesboro 54 

Mutton  Camp 149 

Myer,  Lieut.  Col.  A.  B.     Portrait.     199 
Myer,  Lieut,  Robt.  E.    267,  Portrait.   268 

Nashville,   Battle 253 

Naval  vService 300 

Newcomb,  Capt.   W.  K 55,  151 

Negro  Troops 167 

"    Officers  of 168 

North  Anna 212 

"     Map 213 

Organization  of  Regiment 1 8 

Owen,  George  H 57 

Owen,  General 150 


INDEX. 


Ox-road  Junction 7° 

Petersburg  Map,  Rebel  Retreat.  .  .  .  278 

Pea  Ridge 9 

Perryville 48 

Petersburg,  June  1 6 222 

Mine 237 

Pen  field,  Capt.  Nelson,  Portrait 250 

Pettit,  Capt.  George  W 269 

"  "  "  Portrait....  270 

Philadelphia 47 

Pleasanton,  Gen 93 

Plumb,  Capt.  Wm.  H 159 

"  "  "  Portrait 159 

Po  River 204 

Potomac,  Army  of 9,  14,  88 

Pope,  General 17 

Promotions 59,  63,  66,  152 

Prisons,  Southern 187 

Quay,  Capt.  John 205,  282 

"  "  "  Portrait 283 

Quitterfield  Abner 141 

Reunion  of  Regiment vii,  xxi 

Reynolds,  General 93 

Religious  Meetings 165 

Recruiting  Party 213 

Ream's  Station 242 

Round  Top.  104,  Picture 109 

Robertson  River 153 

Savage  Station 15 

Sailor's  Creek 284 

Sanitary  Commission 294 

Second  N.  Y.  Vols 2,  5,  15 

Seven  Pines 14 

Second  Corps 85 

Seminary,  Lutheran 93 

Sheldon,  Capt.  Thos.  F 139,  235 

"  "  Portrait  .  .  .  139 

Sheldon,  Adjutant  Elias  P 194 

Sheridan,  General 252 

Shiloh,  Battle  of 8 

Shaw,  Lieut.  Ed.  L 270 

"  **  Portrait 271 

Sickles,  General,  Portrait 107 

Signal  Station,  Picture. no 

Smith,  Color  Sergeant  Lewis 113 

Smith,  James  L 156,  274 


Springsteen,  Capt.  A.  S  ..........      168 

Smith,  Albert  ...................      205 

Spottsylvania,   May  12  ...........      206 

"  Map,  206;  May  18.      211 

Stevens,  Lieut.  L.  H.,  Portrait,  108,  109 
Steadman,  Fort,  Picture  .......  251,  276 

Strawberry  Plains  ...............     239 

Sumter  .......................   2,  12 

Sutherland  Station,  Illustration.  .  .  .      280 

Surrender,  Lee's  ................     285 

Sweet,  Lieut.  Chas.  E  ...........  272 

"  "         "          Portrait  ____      274 

Sweet,  Geo.  W  .................      205 

Taylor,  Capt.  Wm,  D.   78,  156,  191,  234 
"     Portrait  ......        78 

Thorburn,  Lieut.  Harry  N  .......      177 

"  Tigers,  "  Louisiana  .............      1  14 

Tilley,  Capt.  James  L.   Portrait  266,  267 
Townsend,  Hon.  Martin  I  ........        n 

"         Lieut.   Benj.  R  .......  82,  171 

Truce,  Flag  of  ..................     218 

Union  Mills  .................  49,  50,  52 

Vandenburgh,  Capt.  J.  V.  W  .....  66,  82 

Vicksburg  ......................        79 

Warren,  General  ..............  150,  182 

"    Portrait  ..........      183 

Wheeler,  Henry  .............  2,  49,  140 

White  Oak  Swamp  ..............        15 

White,  David  E  .................        72 

White,  Lieut.  David  E  ...........  271 

"  "  "  Portrait  ____  273 

Willard,  Col.  Geo.  L.,  2,  17,  31,  72,  112, 


Portrait,  Frontispiece 
......      116 

Funeral  .......      122 

Wilson,  Francis  L  ...............      156 

Wilderness,  197  ;  Map  ...........      198 

Losses  ...............      217 

Wool,  Gen.  John  E  .........  2,  4,  n,  28 

Wood,  Capt.  E  ................  33,    138 

"  "        Portrait  ...........      139 

Wolf  Run  Shoals  ................        49 

Woodyard  Ford  .................        49 

Wounded  .......................     146 


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